Food Innovation: The sweet spot between the chef, developer, and the end-user.
Join us for an exciting discussion that will provide you with insight into the world of innovation and food manufacturing. Save the date and secure your spot—Take advantage of an open discussion with Willem and Stephen on their experience as chefs and working in manufacturing!
Learning outcome:
- Gain a broad understanding of ideation to implementation within manufacturing and the food industry.
- Learn how to connect science, culinary, and customer intimacy when it comes to product innovation.
- Understand curiosity, resilience, and humbleness when it comes to connecting product development within the culinary world.
Practical Information:
- Topic: Innovation & Inspiration
- Where: 2 PM CEST on Zoom, Facebook Live, Twitter, and YouTube!
- When: July 3rd, 2024
A digital badge and certificate will be awarded to the participants of this webinar.
This webinar is brought to you by Worldchefs and Aviko.
About the Speakers
Stephen Lose
Stephen, a culinary arts graduate from the USA, honed his skills over a decade in the UK. He started at London’s Savoy under Anton Edelman, then moved to roles at Ditto restaurant and Hilton Group, including Banqueting Sous Chef at Hilton Cardiff. After a stint as Head Chef in Bath, he joined Compass Group UK & Ireland, rising to Regional Development Chef. He then became Regional Executive Chef for the Mid-Atlantic Region in the US. Later, as Director of Culinary at The College of William & Mary, he managed dining outlets and a stadium food project. Returning to the UK with Sodexo, he led culinary innovation and developed the Street Food Evolution concept globally. He later became Executive Chef at Edelweiss Lodge & Resort in Germany, earning a bachelor’s degree in food & beverage entrepreneurship. Stephen holds multiple certifications and currently works as a Senior Culinary Product Developer at Aviko, residing in the Netherlands with his wife and 2 parrots.
Willem Fijten
Willem Fijten, born May 5, 1976, currently serves as AVIKO BV’s Innovation Director and Commercial Board member, overseeing RD&I output and product development strategies. Previously, he held roles at NOMAD FOODS EUROPE and MARS FOOD GLOBAL, where he led innovative initiatives for brands like Iglo, Birds Eye, and Dolmio. Prior to his corporate career, Willem excelled as an Executive Sous-Chef at Restaurant AF! Sofitel The Hague and managed kitchens across Europe. His culinary prowess earned him accolades such as “Young Chef of the Year in 2003” and the “Grand Prix Culinair 2010”. Willem holds degrees in International Economy, Hotel-School, and Culinary Arts, and completed Organizational Leadership and Innovation studies at Rotterdam School of Management – Erasmus University in 2022.
