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39th Worldchefs Congress & Expo: United Professionals Rise Together
- The 39th Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 was held in Abu Dhabi from 30 May to 2 June.
- One of the largest chef gatherings globally since the pandemic, the highly anticipated event welcomed international industry professionals from over seventy countries for a four-day event addressing the current challenges and future needs of the industry.
- In collaboration with the 25th Emirates International Salon Culinaire, the Expo brought together more than 5,200 attendees and 347 companies to showcase food, drink, equipment, services, skills, and education.
Paris, 15 of June 2022 – A hallmark industry tradition since 1928, Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 concluded last week following four days of industry networking, educational workshops, and expert-led sessions on the future of hospitality. The biennial event, held this year in the United Arab Emirates, drew attendees from around the globe to the nation’s capital. The event ran from 30 May to 2 June at the award-winning Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
One of the largest chef gatherings globally since the COVID-19 pandemic, the highly anticipated event welcomed international industry professionals from over seventy countries under the banner of Rise Together. The 2022 Worldchefs Congress & Expo saw strong attendance reflecting its international mandate and membership, with 44 percent of delegates from the Middle East and Africa regions, 33 percent traveling from Europe, 15 percent from Asia, and 8 percent from the Americas. The diverse career profiles of attendees were led by 67% professional chefs, followed by F&B managers and owners (16%), industry procurement professionals (11%), and distribution and supply experts (6%).
The four-day line-up included expert speakers, the Billy Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, intense culinary competition at the Global Chefs Challenge arena, and the region’s singular HORECA sector trade exposition featuring global brands.
New Titleholder of World’s Best Chef
A highlight at the 2022 Worldchefs Congress & Expo, the Global Chefs Challenge brought together the world’s top chefs and emerging culinary talent to test their skills on a global stage. Representing their respective countries and culinary teams, the world’s most promising chefs gave their best in the competition kitchens and at the judging table. The full competition results and ranking have been announced.
Chef Marco Tomasi of Italy now holds the title of Worlds Best Chef. Italy, Singapore, and Norway won Gold in the Global Chefs Challenge Final’s three competition categories: Global Chefs Challenge, the Global Pastry Chefs Challenge, and the Global Young Chefs Challenge.
World-Class Expo: Emirates International Salon Culinaire
In collaboration with the 25th Emirates International Salon Culinaire (ExpoCulinaire), the Worldchefs Congress & Expo brought together more than 5,200 ExpoCulinaire attendees and 347 companies to showcase food, drink, equipment, services, skills, and education.
A Resounding Success
The 2022 Worldchefs Congress & Expo marks the second hosting efforts by the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), having hosted the 2008 Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Dubai. “It means everything to us,” says Uwe Micheel, President of the Emirates Culinary Guild. “I think we have the most important scene this year. When we say Rise Together, it is at the same time about sustainability, about the foods of the future, which is so important to us in the years to come. But when you speak to our friends here, the most important part of this event is to see everyone again, to be together.”
“For the Young Chefs here at Congress, it is very special,” says Alan Orreal, Chairman of the Young Chef Development Committee. “The Young Chefs that come to Congress have an extraordinary passport to the culture of any city that we go to. They are coming out with a renewed sense of information and learning about what they’ve been doing. Congress is a forum for the conversations that we have to listen to as an industry, and we’re trying to give Young Chefs the tools that they need so they can move forward successfully.”
Worldchefs President Thomas Gugler extended a heartfelt thank you to all the participants. “After nearly four years, having so many chefs and culinarians from all around the world back here with us in Abu Dhabi is amazing. We’ve seen so many nice happy faces,” he remarks. “You can see the excitement, the smile, and the hunger to exchange the last four-year experiences with our colleagues and friends. We are so proud that so many made it here to Abu Dhabi despite all the difficulties we are still going through.” Gugler proudly presented the Worldchefs 2022 Awards, Medals & Recognitions to members, sponsors and partners at the event for their outstanding efforts and contributions to Worldchefs.
“It was a 360-degree Congress,” says Ragnar Fridriksson, Worldchefs Managing Director. Planning has already begun for the next biennial Congress, taking place in Singapore in 2024. Chef Eric Neo, President of the Singapore Chefs’ Association, says “This is a milestone for the Singapore Chefs’ Association. Singapore was the first country in Asia to host the Worldchefs Congress in 1990 and it made history. Since then, Singapore has changed so much, especially in the world of food & beverage. We believe we have a lot to offer the world of chefs with our culinary scene and heritage, and we cannot wait to show them what we have.”
For the latest updates from Worldchefs, visit www.worldchefs.org.
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ABOUT WORLDCHEFS
The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a dynamic global network of 110 chef associations worldwide. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries 91 years of history since its founding at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier. Representing a mobilized international membership of culinary professionals, Worldchefs is committed to advancing the profession and leveraging the influence of the chef jacket for the betterment of the industry and humanity at large.
Worldchefs is dedicated to raising culinary standards and social awareness through these core focus areas:
Education – Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the landmark Worldchefs Academy online training program, a diverse network of Worldchefs Education Partners and curriculum, and the world’s first Global Hospitality Certification recognising on-the-job skills in hospitality.
Networking – Worldchefs connects culinary professionals around the world through their online community platform and provides a gateway for industry networking opportunities through endorsed events and the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo.
Competition – Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and operates the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge.
Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.
For more information about Worldchefs, visit us at www.worldchefs.org.
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