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Is Multi-Sensory Experience the Future of Fine Dining?

Is Multi-Sensory Experience the Future of Fine Dining?

Cocoon-like dining spaces, mood-altering lights, fragrances paired with food โ€” the haute end of the restaurant chain is simmering with multi-sensory intrigue. Le Cordon Bleu contributing editor Sona Bahadur explores the growing popularity of immersive gastronomic experiences that stimulate not just taste buds but all of the senses to heighten the pleasure of eating.

Can a lollipop evoke the same feelings as listening to Tchaikovskyโ€™s 1812 overture? Can an edible version of a Jackson Pollock painting be created on the dining table? Can a loaf of heritage wheat bread bring alive the last supper prepared in Pompeii moments before Mt Vesuvius erupted and reduced the ancient Roman city to ashes? If youโ€™re a multi-sensory cuisine enthusiast, youโ€™ll know that the answers are yes, yes and yes!

The said Tchaikovsky lollipop made its appearance at a 2016 International Society of Neuro-gastronomy meeting; the heritage bread was recreated by British culinary wizard Heston Blumenthal as part of a meal inspired by the cuisine of Pompeii last year, and the Jackson Pollock-inspired dessert is just one among many of Grant Achatzโ€™s genre-bending dishes for his Chicago-based restaurant Alinea.

Only a decade ago, such high-concept experiences would have been dismissed as flights of fancy. Worse, they would have elicited derision. A good meal should speak for itself, traditionalists would have scorned. Yet what was once just the simple pleasure of eating is increasingly becoming a curated, playful, often tech-aided spectacle that takes dining to new levels of enjoyment.

Sense and satiety:

Although the act of eating is multi-sensory by its very nature, the notion that enjoying food and drink transcends taste and involves all of the five senses began finding wider acceptance during the 2010s. An increasing number of high-end restaurants are experimenting with smells, sounds, storytelling and other โ€œoff-the-plateโ€ elements to manipulate the perception of flavour. From dining in the dark to 12-course culinary operas, from musical food pairings to high-tech โ€œtaste podsโ€ that enhance the taste of chocolates, sense-stimulating experiences are all the rage.

Multi-Sensory Fine Dining Experience

The science of flavour perception:

The popularity of multi-sensory dining owes in large part to the emergence of the science of neuro-gastronomy, which has helped unravel the complex multi-sensory brain processes that create the range of flavours we experience when eating and drinking. According to neuro-scientistย Gordon M. Shepherd, our appreciation of what is in the mouth is created by the brain. Charles Spence, Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford and author ofย Gastrophysics: The New Science of Eating, postulates a similar view. โ€œI think we all assume that taste comes from our tonguesโ€ฆ.In fact, all of your senses are involved. Everything from the colour of the plate to the weight of the cutlery in your hands, from the background music to any ambient scent, as well as the lighting and even the softness of the chair you are sitting on.โ€

All the food worldโ€™s a stage:

What started in the lab segued into the kitchen. Blumenthal was at the vanguard of experiential dining. His Sound of the Sea, a plate of oysters, clams, seaweed and panko โ€œsand,โ€ which comes with an iPod tucked into a conch shell at the Fat Duck, is now regarded as a classic of multi-sensory dining. The iPod plays sounds of the ocean, waves crashing and children playing to conjure up feelings of nostalgia. Ferran Adria and Grant Achatz, who began serving menus that stimulate the senses a decade ago, have been equally influential. As the trend finds fans across the globe, more examples have emerged โ€” Schloss Schauenstein in Switzerland, Ultraviolet in China, El Celler de Can Roca in Spain, and more.

The appeal of immersive cuisine:

Modern chefs are recognising that flavour is more potent than taste as it engages all the senses and can evoke nostalgia, reminiscence and emotion. Using audio and other sensory influences enables them to enhance the flavours of their dishes and make them more memorable. Curious, up-for-anything diners are just as hungry for enhanced dining experiences that play on all of their senses. Whatโ€™s more, they are willing to pay a pretty penny for them. Witness the popularity of Ibizaโ€™sย Sublimotion, billed the worldโ€™s most expensive restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero takes diners on a multi-sensory culinary voyage by fusing art, gastronomy and virtual reality. The phantasmagoric adventure comes at a price โ€” a whopping $2,000 per meal.

A taste of the future:

The exorbitant price points of dining at multi-sensory restaurants put them beyond the reach of most diners, thereby limiting their appeal to a tiny but influential niche. Spending five hours eating a 17-course meal might not be everybodyโ€™s cup of tea. Yet there is no denying that theatrical, forward-thinking restaurants are here to stay. Neuro-gastronomy is still in its nascence and brings a lot to the table. As the field evolves and new studies emerge, practitioners of multi-sensory cuisine will take vastly different approaches to dining to accentuate their distinctiveness. Advances in technology coupled with an increasingly multidisciplinary approach to dining โ€” think storytelling, augmented reality, virtual reality, robotics, opera, electronica, poetry, olfaction, performing arts, singing, painting, cinema, music โ€” will continue to push the boundaries of the culinary arts.

Meanwhile, one canโ€™t help but wonder what they will do to a lollipop next.


This article was originally published by Worldchefs Education Partner Le Cordon Bleu.

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Finnish Chefs Association Celebrates Ulla Liukkonen’s Worldchefs Honorary Life Membership Award

Chef Ulla Liukkonen was invited to become an honorary member of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies – the award was handed over on June 9, 2021 in Lahtiย 

Ulla Liukkonen, President of the Finnish Chefs’ Association,ย has been awarded an honorary membership in the World Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs).ย Liukkonen has been the chairman of the Finnish Chefs since 2008.ย Lifetime Honorary Membership of Worldchefs is the highest recognition a chef can receive from his colleagues.

Ulla Liukkonen, President of the Finnish Chefs’ Association.ย 
PHOTO: Riikka Mantila

– I am extremely grateful for the recognition I have received and I want to share it with our entire association.ย I warmly thank Wordchefs, the board of the Finnish Chefs Association, the member associations and all our members, as well as our supporters, for their cooperation over the years to promote Finnish food culture,โ€ says Liukkonen.

– Recognition is granted on the basis of strict selection criteria, such as the member states’ support for the applicant and meritorious work for the country’s chefs’ association and Worldchefs, saysย Petri Selander,ย vice-president of the Finnish Chefs’ Association.

Osmo Norhaย (1974) andย Martti Lehtinenย (2006)ย have previously been invited from Finland to become honorary members of Worldchefs.

The recognition was announced at the Worldchef Congress on 15 August 2020, which was held as a remote congress instead of the Worldchefs Congress & Expo in St. Petersburg due to the corona situation.

Due to the situation, the harnesses were handed over to Liukkonen less than a year late.ย A solemn handover ceremony was held on June 9, 2021 in Lahti in connection with the board meeting of the Finnish Chefs’ Association.ย In addition to SKM’s board, representatives of the regional association Pรคijรคt-Hรคmeen Keittiรถmestarit ry congratulated them.

The Finnish Chefs Association congratulates Liuko on the recognition.

PHOTO: Riikka Mantila

 

About Suomen Keittiรถmestarit (the Finnish Chefs’ Assocation)

The Finnish Chefs’ Association is a national association that acts as the central organization of regional chefs’ associations and as the guardian of the professional interests of its members, promotes professional skills and knowledge, and co-operates between communities, companies and individuals operating in the field.ย One of the main goals of the activity is to promote Finnish food culture and high-quality cooking skills.ย The association also supports competition activities in the field.ย The Finnish Chefs’ Association is a member association of the Nordic and world chef associations. Learn more atย www.chefs.fi.

About Worldchefs

The World Association of Chefsโ€™ 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:

Educationย โ€“ Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the landmark Worldchefs Academy online training program, a diverse network of Worldchefs Education Partners and curriculums, and the worldโ€™s first Global Hospitality Certification recognizing on-the-job skills in hospitality;ย 

Networkingย โ€“ 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;

Competitionย โ€“ Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and operates the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge;

Humanitarianism & Sustainabilityย โ€“ 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 atย www.worldchefs.org.

Keittiรถmestari Ulla Liukkonen kutsuttiin kokkien maailmanliiton kunniajรคseneksi โ€“ kรครคdyt luovutettin 9.6.2021 Lahdessa

Suomen Keittiรถmestarit ry:n puheenjohtaja, keittiรถmestariย Ulla Liukkoselleย on myรถnnetty maailman keittiรถmestariliiton The World Association of Chefs Societies -yhdistyksen (Worldchefs) kunniajรคsenyys. Liukkonen on toiminut Suomen Keittiรถmestareiden puheenjohtajana vuodesta 2008 alkaen. Maailmanliiton elinikรคinen kunniajรคsenyys on korkein huomionosoitus, minkรค keittiรถmestari voi saada kollegoiltaan.

โ€“ Olen รครคrettรถmรคn kiitollinen saamastani tunnustuksesta ja haluan jakaa sen koko yhdistyksemme kanssa. Kiitรคn lรคmpimรคsti Wordchefsia, Suomen Keittiรถmestarit ry:n hallitusta, jรคsenyhdistyksiรค ja kaikkia jรคseniรคmme sekรค tukijoitamme vuosien aikana tehdystรค yhteistyรถstรค suomalaisen ruokakulttuurin edistรคmiseksiโ€, kiittรครค Liukkonen.

โ€“ Tunnustus myรถnnetรครคn tiukkojen valintakriteerien pohjalta, joita ovat esimerkiksi jรคsenmaiden tuki hakijalle sekรค ansiokas toiminta oman maan keittiรถmestariliiton sekรค Worldchefsien hyvรคksi, kertoo Suomen Keittiรถmestarit ry:n varapuheenjohtajaย Petri Selander.

Suomesta maailmanliiton kunniajรคseniksi on kutsuttu aiemminย Osmo Norhaย (1974) jaย Martti Lehtinenย (2006).

Tunnustus julkistettiin 15.8.2020 pidetyssรค maailmanliiton kongressissa, joka jรคrjestettiin koronatilanteen vuoksi etรคkongressina Pietariin suunnitellun Worldchefs Congress & Expo -tilaisuuden sijasta.

Tilanteesta johtuen kรครคdyt pรครคstiin luovuttamaan Liukkoselle vajaan vuoden myรถhรคssรค. Juhlava luovutustilaisuus pidettiin 9.6.2021 Lahdessa Suomen Keittiรถmestarit ry:n hallituksen kokouksen yhteydessรค. Paikalla onnittelemassa olivat SKM:n hallituksen lisรคksi alueyhdistys Pรคijรคt-Hรคmeen Keittiรถmestarit ry:n edustajat.

Suomen Keittiรถmestarit ry onnittelee Liukkosta saadusta tunnustuksesta.

Suomen Keittiรถmestarit ry on valtakunnallinen yhdistys, joka toimii alueellisten keittiรถmestariyhdistysten keskusjรคrjestรถnรค sekรค jรคsenistรถnsรค ammatillisten etujen valvojana, ammattitaidon ja -tiedon edistรคjรคnรค sekรค tekee yhteistyรถtรค alalla toimivien yhteisรถjen, yritysten ja yksityisten kesken. Yksi toiminnan keskeisimmistรค tavoitteista on edistรครค suomalaista ruokakulttuuria ja korkealaatuista keittotaitoa. Yhdistys tukee lisรคksi alan kilpailutoimintaa. Suomen Keittiรถmestarit ry on Pohjoismaiden ja maailman keittiรถmestariliittojen jรคsenyhdistys.
www.chefs.fi

The World Association of Chefs Societies -yhdistyksen (Worldchefs)ย on keittiรถmestariyhdistysten maailmanlaajuinen verkosto, joka on perustettu 1928. Yhdistyksen jรคseninรค ovat yli 90 maan kansalliset keittiรถmestariliitot, jotka edustavat yhteensรค yli 10 miljoonaa ammattilaista ympรคri maailmaa.
www.wacs.org

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Meet The American Culinary Federation President-Elect

Meet The American Culinary Federation President-Elect

*Originally published on We Are Chefs

The American Culinary Federation announced the election of Chef Kimberly Brock Brown, CEPC, CCA, AAC, as president, among other board positions, during an annual meeting on May 12. Chef Brock Brown will be inducted during the ACF National Convention in Orlando on August 5 and serve a two-year term.ย 

Chef Jeff Bacon, CEC, CCA, AAC, was elected National Secretary. A run-off election, held between May 19 and June 2 for Chef-Candidates David Ivey-Soto, CEC, CCA, and Kyle Richardson, CEC, CCA, AAC, will decide the National Treasurer. In addition, ACF announced the following regional vice presidents:ย 

  • Central Region Vice President: Rajeev Patgaonkar, CEC, AAC
  • Northeast Region Vice President: Barry Young, CEC, CCE, AAC
  • Southeast Region Vice President: Bryan Frick, CEC, AAC
  • Western Region Vice President: Greg Matchett, CEC

Remaining on the board for a two-year term are Chef Thomas Macrina, CEC, CCA, AAC, past president, and Chef Americo DiFronzo, CEC, CCA, AAC, American Academy of Chefs Chair.

Chef Brock Brown, who is currently serving her second two-year term as Southeast Region Vice President and who has previously served 2 terms as president of her local Charleston chapter, as well as 2 terms on the ACF ethics committee, said she decided to run for president because โ€œI wanted women to have a voice and position of leadership in the organization. I have always preached to others that when opportunities present themselves, you should take them; now I felt it was my duty to practice what I was preaching.โ€ย 

Chef Brock Brown plans to focus, first, on membership engagement, both at the student level and the professional level. She also hopes to encourage more women and chefs of color to be active and represented in ACF activities and leadership roles.ย 

โ€œWe can and should be a diverse, 21stย Century federation,โ€ she says. โ€œMy work will focus on ways to train and mentor students, recent graduates and up-and-coming professionals. We should be grooming the younger generation to make sure their voices are heard.โ€ย 

Chef Brock Brown also hopes to encourage others to run for the board and take up other leadership opportunities within ACF. โ€œIt would be great to have more seminars geared toward leadership, or information about next steps, especially for mid-career chefs,โ€ she says.ย 

As vice president, Chef Brock Brown focused heavily on enhancing communication between the board and membership. Soon after beginning her first term in 2017 she was the first to host a monthly conference call with regional members in order to keep them informed about ACF news, changes and happenings at the national and regional levels. That call became so popular that many members outside of the Southeast region would join inโ€”including from New Orleans and Ohio chapters. โ€œIt has always been a great way to be able to talk, ask questions and exchange ideas with each other, and it was especially helpful last year when we couldnโ€™t get together in person at all.โ€ For many, Chef Brock Brownโ€™s conference call has become a networking tool, not to mention an almost therapeutic outlet for members during tough, isolating times.ย 

As president, Chef Brock Brown hopes to continue her commitment to transparency and communication in order to drive member engagement. In addition, she hopes to find ways to drive resourcesโ€”financially and otherwiseโ€”for members, especially those hit hard by the pandemic.ย 

โ€œIโ€™m one of the many chefs who got furloughed during the pandemic,โ€ says Brock Brown.ย โ€œSo many have lost and are still losing incomes, jobs and careers, so I believe we need to be in a better position to be of help and to advocate for each other. Charity should and does begin at home.โ€ย 

Born in Chicago and raised in the Western suburb of Maywood, Chef Brock Brown has had interest in food and cooking since a young child. As an adult, she fled to warmer climates, beginning in Dallas and settling down in Charleston, South Carolina. Currently, Chef Brown runs her own business as owner and corporate chef of Culinary Concepts, LLC, offering catering, personal chef and consulting services.ย 

Her ACF membership began in 1981 while completing an ACF apprenticeship program at El Centro College in Dallas. She went on to work as an assistant pastry chef in Atlanta, and as an executive chef(Sweet & Savory) in healthcare and corporate settings in Asheville, North Carolina and in her current hometown. She has served as an adjunct baking and pastry teacher at Trident Technical College and Johnson & Wales University, both in Charleston.ย  Chef Kimberly has also served as co-owner and corporate chef for a specialty foods distributor in North Charleston.ย 

Chef Brock Brown has participated in a variety of competitions, including the Gulf of Mexico Seafood Challenge in the 90s and she served as a member of Team South Carolina in the Culinary Super Challenge (both ACF sanctioned events) in the years 2002 to 2004. She has also traveled internationally to serve as a judge and demonstrator at competitions in Serbia, South Africa and Turkey in the years between 2013 and 2015.ย 

Chef Brock Brown was instrumental in the development of ACFโ€™s Certified Culinary Administrator certification, as well as becoming one of the first to earn that designation. She has received multiple awards, including an ACF Cutting Edge award in 2015, an AAC service award in 2016, and the ACF National Presidentโ€™s Medallion in 2019. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Dallas College โ€“ El Centro Campus in 2015.ย 

Chef Brock Brown is a self-published author of โ€œHere I Am!: Chef Kimberlyโ€™s Answer to the Question โ€˜Where are the Female and Minority Chefs,โ€™โ€ and she has contributed to other books, including training manuals; โ€œReal Women, Real Leaders: Surviving and Succeeding in the Business Worldโ€ and โ€ Toques in Black: A Celebration of Black Chefs.โ€ย 

She also spent two years as guest chef on WCSC (NBC-5) televisionโ€™s โ€œCoffee Withโ€ cooking segment and eight years as a guest chef on Charlestonโ€™s WCIV (ABC) TV โ€œLowcountry Liveโ€ talk show.

To learn more about the ACF president-elect, visitย kimberlybrockbrown.com.

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How to Keep Up with the Next Generation of Food Tourism

Gastronomic tourism predictions & preparation, post-COVID

Let us take you back to a time where tourists could wander off the beaten path and onto the rugged cobblestones of a road-less-travelled neighbourhood, exploring the bustling local markets through a delight of aromas and friendly unfamiliar faces during an authentic food and walking tour. Tasting sauces with strangers, breaking bread with locals and learning about cultures through the eyes (and tastebuds) of travelling gastronomes.

Now fast-forward to our current times of the pandemic, where the only thing we are breaking with strangers are personal boundaries and the foodies with wanderlust are now craving a cooking and cultural experience to be satisfied through digital means. It is no secret that the travel industry and its bread and butter, culinary tourism, has been greatly impacted by the extreme decline in international travel and shift in demand. As COVID-19 has transformed the gastronomic tourism industry globally, businesses are either pivoting, looking to pivot, or launching new offerings; and technology is featuring across these changes in different ways. From adapting food tourism experiences in line social distancing requirements to the anticipation of government support, there are a few ways the culinary tourism market can sow seeds in the consumer landscape of the future.

From the inside, out

As the cultural trend for destination brand identity is re-evaluated by businesses internationally, it is important for stakeholders in the gastronomic tourism industry to address technological transformation as a key pillar and extend their existing models to reflect this shift.ย New researchย shows that the impact of moving food tourism to digital space also calls for us to examine the current situation and explore research and practical consequences in the post-COVID future. As tourism has proven to be resilient through past events, it is predicted this is a key reflection of the future and there is also anticipation for government support to the sector; assisting in the rebuild and aligned with technologyโ€™s new role in the industry.

 


Navigating the change in direction

As we overcome the current and future restrictions through technology, there is a new spotlight on domestic tourism as a buffer against the fall in international culinary travel. Due to the limitations on travel, it is important for the gastronomic tourism industry to explore new domestic opportunities in line with social distancing requirements, safety and hygiene protocols, local access and adapting to social capacities to appeal to the responsible consumer behaviour. Domestic demand is rebounding faster than international demand and businesses are providing gastronomes with fulfillment through local food tourism, right in our own backyards. By offering a more local experience and targeted approach in line with the neighbouring market, it is building the foundation of a new pillar in offerings now and into the future.

Technology: The passport of today

With gastronomic tourism facing the challenge of remaining attractive to current and potential customers, technology is also providing opportunities in areas which address the need for tourists to access cultural information and create new home-based experiences. The pandemic has flourished the growth of innovative concepts in technology relating to culinary travel. Online cooking sessions and tutorials, live guided tastings, virtual reality tours, remote social eating and drinking are current and viable applications that have succeeded in supporting and temporarily replacing the traditional gastronomy tourism experience.ย Travelling Spoonย is the perfect example of a food business who have pivoted successfully using technology, with a shift from primarily international experiences to now offer cooking classes with locals both in-person and online. The use of creativity with technology combined will allow businesses within the food tourism industry to continue appealing to gastronomes and keep the travelling flame alight, satisfying the current and evolving demands.

In conclusion

For food tourism, the limitations faced during the pandemic has been a journey of adaption and exploration of new opportunities in technology. From stakeholders addressing new strategies in line with tech to including offerings which appeal to the local market, these key methods of preparation are proving to be the most effective way forward. As we research and prepare for what the industry will look like post-COVID, it is more important now than ever to understand the history and future of gastronomic tourism to grow with the demand and stamp your potential on the technology passport of global food travelโ€™s future.

Le Cordon Bleu Online Learning

This article was originally published by Worldchefs Education Partner Le Cordon Bleu.

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The frying oil showdown: Which is the best option?

Donโ€™t we just love deep-fried foods? We can hardly resist the distinct aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel of deep-fried foods, luring us with their golden color and crispy texture. Just envisioning a crispy fried chicken or a fried mantou bread can make your mouth water. But did you know that the frying oil used to fry these foods play a significant role in producing the desired end results? In this article, between soybean, sunflower, and palm oil, letโ€™s find out which of these is the best for deep-frying.

What happens during deep-frying?

Deep-frying is often described as heating of food at 150 โ€“ 190oC in an oil immersion.ย  During deep-frying, the frying oils undergo physical and chemical changes due to the presence of oxygen and moisture. Reactions such as hydrolysis, oxidation, ring formation and polymerization take place during deep-frying1. As a result of these reactions, the degradation of the frying oil takes place. The degradation of the oil hinges on its fatty acid composition. As shown in Figure 1, the stability of the oils that contain higher amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as soybean and sunflower oil, degrade faster than palm oil. While palm oil contains only 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids, soybean and sunflower contains 61% and 62% respectively2. Unlike polyunsaturated oils, palm oil contains less linolenic acid which is highly susceptible to oxidation during frying. For polyunsaturated oils to be used for deep frying, these oils need to undergo partial hydrogenation to increase the oilsโ€™ stability, which is unfortunately harmful as it causes the formation of trans fatty acids. Today, oils with lower stability such as sunflower and soybean are commonly blended with palm oil to gain higher melting point for better frying application.

โ€œUnlike polyunsaturated oils, palm oil contains less linolenic acid which is highly susceptible to oxidation during frying.โ€

Figure 1: Stability of oil against fatty acid composition

Repeated frying is safe

Yes it is โ€“ to a certain level. Many households and industrial kitchens are accustomed to repeated frying to ensure cost effectiveness3. After one frying session, sometimes the oil we use is too โ€˜freshโ€™ to be wasted away. However, reheating vegetable oil at a high temperature leads to the production of rancid odor and flavor due to oxidation. Hydroperoxides and aldehydes are formed and are absorbed by food and eventually enter our system after ingestion.ย  These have been indicated as potentially harmful components in our diets.

According to the American Oil Chemistsโ€™ Society (AOCS)4, the maximum allowable peroxide value for edible oils is 10 meq/kg oil. A study5 (Figure 2) has shown that after heating five times, the peroxide value of soybean oil, sunflower oil, and palm oil are 10.88 meq/kg oil, 8.42 meq/kg oil, and 6.01 meq/kg oil respectively. Clearly, the level of peroxide value in soybean oil exceeds the allowable value stipulated by AOCS, while the other two remains within the threshold. Higher peroxide value indicates lower chemical stability of the oil during frying. This clearly shows that palm oil is most stable among all.ย  As mentioned before, due to higher level of PUFA, these oils have lower stability as PUFA contain double bonds6, which are reactive in the presence of oxygen. Peroxide value indicates the presence of lipid hydroperoxides which in the body, can decompose into free radicals that can oxidize other unsaturated fatty acids and form compounds that are potentially toxic to oneโ€™s health7.

โ€œTocotrienols, which are abundantly found in palm oil, was found to exhibit higher antioxidant ability than tocopherol, which are found in other oils such as sunflower and soybean oil.โ€

Figure 2: Peroxide value (meq/kg oil) of soybean, sunflower, and palm oil after 5 frying sessions7

Fortunately, antioxidants in vegetable oil provide natural resistance to oxidation4. Palm oil, processed or unprocessed, is rich in tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E). Vitamin E is an important antioxidant, which helps combat chronic disease8. The primary role of vitamin E is to prevent the oxidation of fatty acids in oils by free radicals. It is the presence of tocopherols and tocotrienols in palm oil that provide better oxidative stability during frying. Based on these observations, in this comparison, palm oil emerges as the more stable oil for deep-frying and is much safer for repeated frying with less potential to produce toxicity in humans.

References

  1. Mihal, J. (2020). Characteristics Of Palm Oil/Palm Olein As Frying Oil. Retrieved 8 April 2020, from https://www.brecorder.com/2020/01/12/561006/characteristics-of-palm-oilpalm-olein-as-frying-oil/
  2. Health & Nutrition. (2021). Retrieved 1 April 2021, from https://www.fediol.eu/web/health%20and%20nutrition/1011306087/list1187970137/f1.html
  3. Leong X.F., Ng C.Y., Jaarin K. and Mustafa M.R. (2015); Austin J Pharmacol Ther, 3(2).1068.
  4. AOCS (2003) Official methods and recommended practices of the American Oil Chemistsโ€™ Society. 4th ed. AOCS Press, Champaign, Illinois.
  5. Goswami, G., Bora, R., and Rathore, M.. (2015). International Journal of Science Technology and Management, 4(1):495-501
  6. Vieira, S.A., Zhang, G. and Decker, E.A. (2017). J Am Oil Chem Soc ; 94, 339โ€“351
  7. McIntyre T.M. and Hazen S.L. (2010). Circ Res.; 107: 1167-1169.
  8. Dauqan, E., Halimah, and Abdullah, A. (2011). Vitamin E and Beta Carotene Composition in Four Different Vegetable Oils. American Journal of Applied Sciences. 8. 407-412. 10.3844/ajassp.2011.407.412.

Visit Malaysian Palm Oil Council’s website and follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to learn more about palm oilโ€™s nutritional and economical advantages as well as environmental sustainability.


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Chefs’ Pledge – the results are in!

Cartoon Chefs

Chefs together, can change the world!

Earlier this year, theย Chefs’ Manifesto, together with several partner networks, conducted a survey titled, ‘Chefs’ Pledge’. The intent was to learn from participants, what the top practical actions are that chefs can take toย actively engage in transforming food systems, to ensureย good food for all. Based on theย Chefs’ Manifesto Thematic Areas, the aim was to further narrow and focus the SDG roadmap for chefs.

Drum roll please… the results are in!

The survey was conductedย from late February through to May, inviting participants via social media, direct email, through our partner networks and various campaigns.ย 

For each of the Chefs’ Manifesto 8 Thematic Areas, participants were asked to rank in order which action, taken from theย Chefsโ€™ Manifesto Action Plan,ย would enact the most change for food systems transformation once implemented.ย The following is an analysis of the results.

The results show the actions that received the highest percentage of number one ranked votes.ย A further, more detailed analysis of all the ranked actionable outcome will be available via PDF soon.

(Please note, any discrepancy in the percentage figures is accounted for by respondents who may have skipped a question.)

Demographics

The Chefsโ€™ Manifesto surveyed respondents from in excess of 50 countries, with a wide variety of skills and expertise,ย withย a common goal: to make positive transformationย to our food systems and provide good food for all. Survey participants identify as being engaged as one of the following: aย chef;ย a cook;ย a culinary student;ย otherย (Figure 1).

Qu 1

Figure 1

To capture the diversity of the survey participants, a geographical location was requested. Participants identified as being from 6 continents, including Africa, North America, Latin America, Asia, Australia and Europe.ย Over 50 countries were represented – WOW –ย including, but are not limited too: India, the Philippines, Ghana, Slovakia, South Africa, Colombia, China, Brazil, Mexico, Ireland Australia, Austria, New Zealand, Kenya and Switzerland.

Survey Questions

TA 1

Thematic Area 1: Ingredients grown with respect for the earth and its oceans

Action 1:ย Get to know your ingredients – how they are grown, reared or sourced – and how toย choose ingredients with the lowest impact on the environment (38%).ย Action 2:ย Using your purchasing power by choosing producers or suppliers who work sustainably and to only buy from the sources who share your values (28%).ย Action 3:ย Lead by example and champion sustainable ingredients and producers through your menus and in your restaurants (34%).ย 

Theย data concludedย that the majority of participants believe Action 1ย – getting to know your ingredients – is the most important step that chefs can take, to respect the earth and its oceans and enact real change.ย For more inspiration visitย here.ย 

Thematic Area 2: Protection of biodiversity and improving animal welfare

Action 1:ย Leading by example through maintaining the rich diversity of the worldโ€™s natural larder by using different varieties of plants, grains, and proteins and to champion โ€œwildโ€ variants and avoid monoculture (31.8%).ย Action 2:ย Leading by example through raising awareness about the importance of free-range eggs, sustainably sourced fish and animal welfare on our menus and in our restaurants (21.8%).ย Actionย 3:ย Use our purchasing power through choosing producers who commit to higher animal welfare standards and avoiding industrialised livestock production (19.4%).ย Action 4:ย Use purchasing power to choose only fish and seafood that is abundant and sourced sustainably (27%).ย 

Voted the most important actionย to enable the protection of biodiversity and improve animal welfare for participants, is to lead by example through maintaining the rich diversity of the worldโ€™s natural larder by using different varieties of plants, grains, and proteins and to champion โ€œwildโ€ variants and avoid monoculture.ย For more inspiration visitย here.

Thematic Area 3: Investment in Livelihoods

Action 1:ย Get to know your ingredients: who grows, harvests, sources and packages them? Investigate the journey from farm to fork and reduce the number of the intermediaries between you and the farmer (23.4%).ย Action 2:ย Use your purchasing power to choose products that are priced fairly, to enable a viable livelihood for farmers and suppliers (13.5%).ย Action 3:ย Use your purchasing power to support more farmers to access marketplaces through choosing to buy from small-scale producers (13%).ย Action 4: Lead by example through paying fair wages, promoting equal opportunities and providing training within your restaurants (15.8%).ย Action 5:ย Lead by example through providing training and mentoring to help your chefs (15.8%).ย Action 6:ย Spread the word and promote the empowerment of women across the sector. They are often underserved and underrepresented and further support is required for female farmers, female producers and female chefs (18.5%).ย 

The data showedย that the most important action for participantsย is to know all about the ingredients and uncover the journey from farm to fork.ย For more inspiration visitย here.

Thematic Area 4: Value natural resources and reduce waste

Action 1:ย Lead by example through separating, monitoring and setting targets to reduce food waste. It is also about managing food safety processes and use by dates to avoid wastage (15%).ย Action 2:ย Lead by example through planning food orders and menus to minimise food waste through offering smaller portion sizes (11.9%).ย Action 3:ย Lead by example through using the whole ingredient and encouraging nose to tail, root to leaf eating. It is about being creative through pickling, preserving, dehydrating and freezing (11%).ย Action 4:ย Use your purchasing power to engage with suppliers and producers to help incorporate surplus produce into menus (10.6%).ย Action 5:ย Become a community food champion and re-distribute surplus food through community sharing and food bank programmes or apps (11%).ย Action 6:ย Lead by example through being resource efficient and manage water usage to cut costs and protect the environment (13%).ย Action 7:ย Lead by example through diverting waste from landfill and to investigate turning food waste into compost or bio-gas . It is about considering offsetting the carbon used in your restaurant or switching to renewable energy sources (14%).ย Action 8:ย Use your purchasing power through working with producers and suppliers to avoid excess packaging and to use recycled, recyclable and biodegradable packaging (13.5%).ย 

The participants have ranked the Actionย 1ย – leading by example through separating, monitoring and setting targets to reduce food waste – as the most important.ย For more inspiration, visitย here.

Thematic Area 5: Celebration of seasonal and local foods

Action 1:ย Use your purchasing power through buying locally produced foods in season and avoiding air-freighted foods (27%).ย Action 2:ย Be a community food champion – showcasing local producers and traditional techniques on your menus and restaurants (17%).ย Action 3:ย Become a community food champion through engaging with your local community and working with schools and teaching kids about nutritious food and how to cook it (17%).ย Action 4:ย Become a community food champion through becoming the connection between producers and consumers. Help to show people where their food comes from by championing farmers and connecting them to diners. Organise events to bring people – young and old – together around good food.(16%)ย Action 5:ย Become a food champion through promoting kitchen gardens and urban farming. Encourage people to start growing their own food. (24%).

Participants ranked Action 1ย – to use your purchasing power through buying locally produced foods in season and avoiding air-freighted foods – as the most important actionย when celebrating seasonal and local foods, with a number 1 response globally of 27%. For more inspiration, visitย here.

TA 6

Thematic Area 6: A focus on plant-based ingredients

Action 1:ย Lead by example to make vegetables, beans and pulses the centre of your dishesย (32.5%).ย Action 2:ย Lead by example to use less, and better, meatย (20.6%).ย Action 3:ย Lead by example to champion plant-based proteins on your menus and in your restaurantsย (20.6%). Be creative in describing vegetable based dishes.ย Action 4:ย Lead by example and avoid using words like โ€œveganโ€ and โ€œvegetarianโ€ which may be off-puttingย (26.3%).

Action 1ย – to lead by example by making vegetable, beans and pulses the centre of your dishes – was ranked the number 1 action most likely to enact change and transform food systems in focussing on plant-based ingredients. Forย more inspiration, visitย here.

Thematic Area 7: Education on food safety & healthy diets

Action 1:ย Lead by example and showcase best practise on food safety, allergens and nutrition in your kitchens and through your menus. (24%)ย Action 2:ย Be a community food champion and support good nutrition education for all- young and old. Volunteer to teach a nutritious cooking class in a school, community centre or care home.(18%)ย Action 3:ย Be a community food champion: Educate diners about the importance of eating a colourful plate. (20%)ย Action 4:ย Spread the word: Use annual events like International Chefs Day (20 October), World Food Day (16 October) and local holidays to get creative and engage people in nutritious cooking. (18%)ย Action 5:ย Spread the word: Use technology as a tool for teaching others. Make videos, run web-casts and on-line campaigns. (20%).

The majority of participantsย responded that the highest action to enact transformation, would be leading by example and showcasing best practise on food safety, allergens and nutrition in your kitchens and through your menus.ย More more inspiration visitย here.

Thematic Area 8: Nutritious food that is accessible & affordable for all

Action 1: Be a community food champion – support initiatives that provide access to nutritious meals in your communities – whether that be a soup kitchen, food bank or community garden project. (43%)ย Action 2:ย Be a community food champion and help raise awareness about what a nutritious meal looks like and how to cook well on a budget.(30%)ย Action 3:ย Spread the word by building a chef community across the world to share stories, best practice and learnings on how to help ensure good food is accessible and affordable for all. (18%)ย Action 4:ย Spread the word and use social media to raise awareness about food issues and how to be part of the solution. (9%)

The action that was ranked to have the highest impactย is to be a community food champion – support initiatives that provide access to nutritious meals in your communities – whether that be a soup kitchen, food bank or community garden project.ย For more inspiration visitย here.

Practical and innovative actions from participants:

At the end of the survey, participants were asked to share practical and innovative actions they are aware of, based on the above thematic areas. A summary of responses isย as follows:

  • To encourage slow cooked nourishing food
  • To collect compostables from local merchants and vendors in order to reduce waste by the landfills in developing countries
  • To use a โ€œThink Vegetables, Think Fruitsโ€ philosophy
  • To promote zero-waste kitchen concept
  • To reach more students and families and offer more virtual courses
  • To have a menu calendar and engage students in the process of harvesting, preparing, and cooking delicious and nutritious food
  • To utilise earth hour platform as an effective tool for awareness
  • To create communities with chefs to reach more people
  • To develop a solar-powered kitchen in the heart of city centres
  • To go local
  • To promote the hand-used pasta that is made by semolina and water
  • To think about furniture inside your restaurant and select eco-friendly choices
  • To have communities at grassroots level that increase the awareness on food waste
  • To lobbyย  lawmakers to use government programs to support regenerative food systems
  • To help people to learn how to cook on a budget
  • To be a school nutrition champion and educate students on nutritious food
  • To connect farms with schools
  • To donate thousands of rescued meals to local hunger relief programs
  • To promote meatless Mondays
  • To install bulk organic milk dispensaries
  • To offer locally grown organic produce
  • To focus more on planet-based food in schools
  • To promote the use of locally sourced seafood and beef
  • To switch from gas appliances to other electric alternatives
  • To promote gender equality when it comes to the kitchen
  • To grow your own food
  • To support farm workers
  • To be aware of how xenophobia and racism play a role in our food systems
  • To educate people about the future of food

The Chefs’ Manifesto would like to thank the following partners for making this research possible:

World Association of Chef’sย Societies,ย Social Gastronomy Movement,ย Chef Ann Foundation,ย Le Cordon Bleu London,ย Good Food Fund China,ย James Beard Foundation, andย Chefs 4 the Planet.

To see more about why we conducted this research, please visitย here.

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News

Really, is Kelp the New Kale?

Move over kale, thereโ€™s a new superfood in town. Explore the facts vs fiction to decide if kelp is the best change youโ€™ll make for your health in 2021.

It seems like every year, there is a new โ€˜superfoodโ€™. Whether it is a lack of research or just clever marketing, it is difficult to truly define if the latest superfood trend is actually good for you or not. As kelp emerges from underwater forests and onto our plates, we are facing the health claims of this new nutrient-rich alternative with suspicion. Should we really be swapping kale for kelp?

Kale: Itโ€™s not easy being green

After a lot of convincing, Kale has finally been accepted as a health food staple. Whilst it is one of theย most nutrient-dense plant foods in the worldย and looks decorative on a plate, itโ€™s bitter-tasting leaves have been a challenge for those who donโ€™t see value in trying to make it taste good for the health benefits. Featured on the menu of every trendy cafรฉ you visit, kale boasts an array of superfood health claims:

  • Boosts your immune system
  • Very high in antioxidants
  • Cancer-fighting claims
  • Helps you feel fuller for longer
  • May help lower cholesterol
  • May aid in weight-loss

The list goes on, but where has it gone wrong? Kale has faced a lot of backlash from health professionals, claiming that eating raw kale is not good for you and could be the most contaminated vegetable on supermarket shelves. Aย studyย revealed about 60% of kale samples tested positive for a type of human carcinogenic, featuring on The Environmental Working Groupโ€™sย “Dirty Dozen” list.ย Furthermore, according to theย IINย kaleโ€™s nutrient-dense profile may also affect the thyroid, blood-clotting and function of the gut. So, for those with related health conditions, there really can be too much of a good thing.

Kale Smoothie
Kale Smoothies – A staple for superfood enthusiasts

Kelp: The understated vegetable of the sea

Kelp is not a staple in Western cultures like it has been for many years in Japan and across Asia, but this could be about to change. A strong competitor to the health benefits of kale, kelp is now sliding into a range of everyday dishes such as soups, salads, smoothies, snacks and even seasonings.ย Chef Jamie Oliverย has even referred to seaweed as โ€œthe most nutritious vegetable in the worldโ€ and claims it has credited to his weight loss. The hype around kelp as a new superfood closely echoes that of kale:

  • Disease and cancer-fightingย claims
  • Weight-loss benefits
  • High in antioxidants
  • Featuring a range of nutrients
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals

But much like kale, there has been early signs of disclosure that kelpโ€™s superfood properties may not be suitable for everyone. Once again,ย addressing the possible affectย on the thyroid and the blood, kelp also absorbs heavy metals which can be hazardous for our health. As the kelp demand begins to take off, there are also questions around sustaining the supply long-term. Kelp forests have been greatly impacted by the increasing ocean temperatures and seabeds are vanishing in places such as south-east of Tokyo, โ€œin what experts warn is a glimpse into the apocalyptic future facingย Japanย and its fishermenโ€ saysย The Guardian.

Kelp in Fine Dining by @chefwilliameick, Instagram

The facts of the fad

Here is a comparison showing a handful of the nutritional elements for kelp and kale:

ย  KELP (per 100g) KALE (per 100g)
Energy (kJ) 180kJ 176kJ
Water Content 81.58g 87g
Proteins 1.68g 2.8g
Dietary Fibre 1.3g 1.7g
Carbohydrates 9.57g 8.32g
Calcium 168mg 205mg
Iron 2.85mg 3mg
Potassium 89mg 450mg
Magnesium 121mg 88mg
Zinc 1.23mg 0.37mg
Sodium 233mg 70mg
Vitamin A (IU) 116IU 3100IU
Vitamin B6 0mg 0.23mg
Vitamin C 3mg 130mg

View the source of the full nutritional tableย here.

Based on these nutritional facts, it is clear that both kelp and kale are rich in health benefits and either would be a healthy addition to your meals, based on your dietary requirements. It could be viewed from this table that either vegetable is slightly more favourable nutritionally than the other, as it is measured by the individual and our differing dietary requirements.

So, is kelp the new kale?

Depending on the evolving addition of kelp in everyday recipes and your dietary needs, we conclude that whilst both kelp and kale have their pros and cons, either would be a healthy addition to your diet in moderation. Preference of taste and texture is also a factor here, for some may prefer to add kaleโ€™s strong, earthy taste to a dish rather than the oceanic flavour which kelp may bring. Knowledge is truly the key to identifying whether a superfood isย reallyย โ€˜superโ€™ for you. If a new food trend is actually beneficial to what our body needs, the health benefits will hold their weight in facts.

Tell us what you prefer โ€“ kelp or kale?


This article was originally published by Worldchefs Education Partner Le Cordon Bleu.

Categories
News

Development Head Chef (Savoury) – Central Production Facility – UAE: Alshaya Food

Development Head Chef (Savoury) – Central Production Facility – UAE: Alshaya Food

Alshaya Food is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of ambient, chilled and frozen foods across the GCC. We have a passion for food and look for exceptional people with a wealth of experience in food manufacturing. We create great tasting products and are continuously innovative with recipes and technology used in our world class food production facilities.

We have two purpose built facilities, one in Kuwait in Farwaniya Dajeej area and the other is located in Dubai Industrial Park in Dubai, both locations are equipped with state-of-the-art food manufacturing equipment. We are in the process of building our first manufacturing facility in KSA which we are on target to open in 2022.

Our expertise and credibility enables us to deliver industry leading food safety standards and we are accredited to the highest possible standards. Our facilities encompass multiple interchangeable high and low care lines. We produce quality products in a variety of formats, these are driven by customer requirements.

We are looking for a talented and motivated Development Head Chef Product , with experience in the food manufacturing industry, who will enhance and develop existing and future menu and product lines of Alshaya Food Divisionโ€™s various brands and external customerโ€™s base.

Specifically, you will:

  • Develop food products inline with customer briefs
  • Innovate food products based on market trends.
  • Ensure food products developed are to cost targets and aligned to site CCP and Quality Control standards
  • Ensure adherence to all company quality, safety, environmental & production procedures and policies;
  • Ensure the hygiene and quality standards of the NPD kitchen is always up to date with regards to the Alshaya policies and procedures
  • Support the production team in developing Work Instructions
  • Involvement in NPD product development

Qualifications & Requirements:

You will have/be:

  • 5 years’ experience in a similar role, leading a team of junior staff
  • Food manufacturing industry background
  • Strong problem solving and communication skills

About Us:

Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned enterprise, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the worldโ€™s leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of well-loved international brands to customers.

Alshaya Groupโ€™s portfolio extends across MENA, Russia, Turkey and Europe, with thousands of stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure destinations, as well as a growing online and digital business.

Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Leisure & Entertainment, Alshaya Group colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences.

Fresh, modern and relevant, Alshayaโ€™s constantly evolving portfolio reflects the choices and lifestyle of its customers. From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the brands they love in the places they want to be. Brands such as Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Changโ€™s, The Cheesecake Factory, The Body Shop, M.A.C, Victoriaโ€™s Secret, Boots, Pottery Barn and KidZania.

  • Advertised:ย 29 Apr 2021 Arabian Standard Time
  • Application close:ย 28 May 2021 Arabian Standard Time

To Apply:

Clickย hereย to learn more and submit an application.


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Senior Manager – Food Development – Central Production Facility – UAE: Alshaya Food

Senior Manager – Food Development – Central Production Facility – UAE: Alshaya Food

Alshaya Food is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of ambient, chilled and frozen foods across the GCC. We have a passion for food and look for exceptional people with a wealth of experience in food manufacturing. We create great tasting products and are continuously innovative with recipes and technology used in our world class food production facilities.

We have two purpose built facilities, one in Kuwait in Farwaniya Dajeej area and the other is located in Dubai Industrial Park in Dubai, both locations are equipped with state-of-the-art food manufacturing equipment. We are in the process of building our first manufacturing facility in KSA which we are on target to open in 2022.

Our expertise and credibility enables us to deliver industry leading food safety standards and we are accredited to the highest possible standards. Our facilities encompass multiple interchangeable high and low care lines. We produce quality products in a variety of formats, these are driven by customer requirements.

We are looking for a talented and motivated Senior Product Development Manager , with experience in the food manufacturing industry, who will Combine innovation, creative ideas and exceptional kitchen capabilities in developing products with commercial understanding of what will be profitable to the business and the customer.

Specifically, you will:

  • Manage the development of products from idea generation to distribution in the market place;
  • Evaluate opportunities within the market and based on product portfolio to develop new concepts;
  • Ensure communication between brand and Alshaya Food regarding new product development and consider and represent the best interest of both sides;
  • Search / evaluate new ingredients in order to improve the cost and / or quality of the products;
  • Review menu production schedules with the brand considering seasonal options, promotional menus, and assure appropriate recipes, variety and quantity of food;
  • Develop and standardize operating procedures for kitchen operations across all brands;

Qualifications & Requirements:

You will have/be:

  • Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in a similar role
  • Strong background in developing Pastry, Cakes & Desserts
  • Strong background of food manufacturing industry
  • Knowledge of food safety and food quality requirements in a central production facility
  • Planning and project management experience
  • Influencing and negotiation skills

About Us:

Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned enterprise, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the worldโ€™s leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of well-loved international brands to customers.

Alshaya Groupโ€™s portfolio extends across MENA, Russia, Turkey and Europe, with thousands of stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure destinations, as well as a growing online and digital business.

Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Leisure & Entertainment, Alshaya Group colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences.

Fresh, modern and relevant, Alshayaโ€™s constantly evolving portfolio reflects the choices and lifestyle of its customers. From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the brands they love in the places they want to be. Brands such as Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Changโ€™s, The Cheesecake Factory, The Body Shop, M.A.C, Victoriaโ€™s Secret, Boots, Pottery Barn and KidZania.

  • Advertised:ย 29 Apr 2021 Arabian Standard Time
  • Application close:ย 28 May 2021 Arabian Standard Time

To Apply:

Clickย hereย to learn more and submit an application.


To search this job and thousands more, create your free Worldchefs online account!


Want to post a job with Worldchefs? Get in touch!


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News

Cakes & Desserts (Pastry) Development Executive Chef โ€“ CPF – UAE: Alshaya Food

Cakes & Desserts (Pastry) Development Executive Chef โ€“ CPF – UAE: Alshaya Food

Alshaya Food is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of ambient, chilled and frozen foods across the GCC. We have a passion for food and look for exceptional people with a wealth of experience in food manufacturing. We create great tasting products and are continuously innovative with recipes and technology used in our world class food production facilities.

We have two purpose built facilities, one in Kuwait in Farwaniya Dajeej area and the other is located in Dubai Industrial Park in Dubai, both locations are equipped with state-of-the-art food manufacturing equipment. We are in the process of building our first manufacturing facility in KSA which we are on target to open in 2022.

Our expertise and credibility enables us to deliver industry leading food safety standards and we are accredited to the highest possible standards. Our facilities encompass multiple interchangeable high and low care lines. We produce quality products in a variety of formats, these are driven by customer requirements.

We are looking for a talented and motivated Development Cakes and Desserts (Pastry) Food Development Manager, with experience in the food manufacturing industry, who will enhance and develop existing and future menu and product lines of Alshaya Food Divisionโ€™s various brands and external customerโ€™s base.

The Role:

You will enhance and develop existing and future menu and product lines for the Food Division’s various brands and external customer base. You will combine innovation, creative ideas and exceptional kitchen capabilities in developing cakes and desserts products with commercial understanding of what will be profitable to the business and the customer / end customer.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Designing and developing new products and processes in accordance with the Food Division’s demands
  • Optimising production by analysing processes and identifying process conditions
  • Designing, installing and commissioning a new production plant
  • Undertaking small and intermediate-scale manufacturing and packaging activities
  • Ensuring that operator, environment, process and product safety aspects are considered
  • Actively participating in strategic product and process planning by continuously scanning the external environment for new technologies
  • Writing recipes and procedures for new products, or reformulating current products
  • Controlling / auditing the Production centers to ensure that the production processes are followed
  • Searching / evaluating new ingredients in order to improve the cost and or quality of products
  • Managing multiple projects within established timelines.

Qualifications & Requirements:

You will have/be:

  • Minimum 8 years’ experience in a similar role
  • Strong background in developing Pastry, Cakes & Desserts
  • Strong Food Manufacturing background is a must
  • Knowledge of food safety and food quality requirements in a central production facility
  • Planning and project management experience
  • Influencing and negotiation skills

About Us:

Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned enterprise, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the worldโ€™s leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of well-loved international brands to customers.

Alshaya Groupโ€™s portfolio extends across MENA, Russia, Turkey and Europe, with thousands of stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure destinations, as well as a growing online and digital business.

Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Leisure & Entertainment, Alshaya Group colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences.

Fresh, modern and relevant, Alshayaโ€™s constantly evolving portfolio reflects the choices and lifestyle of its customers. From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the brands they love in the places they want to be. Brands such as Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Changโ€™s, The Cheesecake Factory, The Body Shop, M.A.C, Victoriaโ€™s Secret, Boots, Pottery Barn and KidZania.

  • Advertised:ย 29 Apr 2021 Arabian Standard Time
  • Application close:ย 28 May 2021 Arabian Standard Time

To Apply:

Click here to learn more and submit an application.


To search this job and thousands more, create your free Worldchefs online account!


Want to post a job with Worldchefs? Get in touch!


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