Categories
Partnership

How to Read Commercial Refrigerator Energy Labels? 

The EU energy label for commercial refrigeration devices displays all the necessary information catering professionals need to determine the product’s energy efficiency. 

In addition to the product reference and manufacturer details, the label includes: 

  • Energy class
  • Annual energy consumption 
  • Net storage capacity 
  • Climate class 

A notable difference between domestic and commercial refrigeration appliances is that domestic energy labels detail noise levels (dB). It’s important to note that a domestic appliance should never be used in a professional environment, as doing so can void the warranty, increase running costs, and elevate the likelihood of product failure. 

Energy Classes for Electrical Appliances 

The energy class serves as the overarching indicator of an appliance’s energy efficiency. Under the EU energy label, commercial refrigeration units are rated from A+++ to G, based on their Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). A+++ denotes the most efficient, while G indicates the least. 

In 2025, many businesses aim for appliances rated A+ or higher to align with corporate sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint. 

Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/annum) 

The EU energy label clearly states the unit’s expected annual energy consumption. This data helps operators calculate projected running costs by multiplying the kWh by the unit cost. 

Modern appliances often feature smart defrost cycles or inverter compressors, further reducing energy consumption. 

Storage Capacity 

Another critical metric on the EU energy label is the maximum capacity—or net volume (L)—of the appliance. Overloading a commercial refrigerator can hinder airflow around stored produce, potentially causing it to spoil prematurely. Therefore, operators must ensure they invest in commercial refrigeration with sufficient capacity to store contents safely and efficiently. 

Electrolux Professional’s ecostore refrigerated cabinets and freezers, for instance, offer an average of 50 liters more capacity than other models with a comparable footprint, thanks to their innovative design and the positioning of the refrigeration unit. 

Climate Class 

The final key piece of information displayed on the EU energy label for commercial refrigeration is the Climate Class. This determines the product’s capability to preserve food under various working conditions. Given that professional kitchens can often reach high ambient operating temperatures, any commercial refrigeration units purchased should be built to either: 

  • Climate Class 4 (‘light duty’: 30°C / 55% humidity) 
  • Climate Class 5 (‘heavy duty’: 40°C / 40% humidity) 

These classifications ensure the appliance maintains optimal performance levels in demanding environments.

Conclusion 

The EU energy label remains an essential tool for catering professionals making informed choices when purchasing commercial refrigeration. Given that refrigeration units typically operate 24/7, selecting the right unit can minimize running costs and contribute to a profitable and sustainable catering operation.  

By understanding and utilizing the energy label, businesses can enhance their operational efficiency and support environmental sustainability goals. 

Categories
Partnership

Worldchefs and the World Food Forum Collaborate on the Young Chefs Programme: Empowering Youth to Lead Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation

Worldchefs and the World Food Forum Collaborate on the Young Chefs Programme: Empowering Youth to Lead Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation

Paris, 22 September 2025 – The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs), the largest international body of professional chefs’ associations, is partnering with the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Initiative—a youth-led platform hosted by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO)—on the WFF Young Chefs Programme (YCP). This joint effort aims to engage and empower young culinary professionals to drive positive change in transforming agrifood systems.

Launching in October 2025, the programme invites chefs aged 18 to 35 to develop skills, knowledge and networks needed to lead the transformation of agrifood systems through better culinary practices. From improving nutrition to promoting food security and biodiversity, the YCP aims to inspire young chefs to influence peers and consumers, driving positive change in global agrifood systems.

This collaboration strengthens the long-standing partnership between Worldchefs and WFF, reflecting Worldchefs’ century-long legacy and commitment to excellence, leadership and sustainability in the culinary arts.

Skill-Building for Impact

Through structured trainings, mentorships, peer-to-peer exchange, and ongoing guidance supported by Worldchefs, the selected cohort will grow their capacity to implement local initiatives that drive sustainable change.

Drawing on its international membership of chef associations, culinary education institutions, and industry leaders, Worldchefs will identify and engage chefs with expertise in sustainable agrifood systems, deliver virtual masterclasses on key agrifood system topics and provide mentorship to support young chefs in their projects.

world food forum young chefs programme worldchefs

“At Worldchefs, through Young Chefs Clubs, educational programs are built into everything we do. We have long believed in the importance of nurturing and developing the next generation of culinary professionals worldwide,” says Jasper Jek, Chair of Worldchefs’ Global Development of Young Chefs Committee. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the WFF on the Young Chefs Programme, and to seeing the impact of both the program and the young leaders themselves.”

For People and the Planet

Worldchefs’ partnership in the WFF Youth Initiative draws on its global network, industry expertise, and Feed the Planet initiatives, which include projects that empower communities to adopt better cooking and eating habits, support education and training, and inspire sustainable food consumption through resources, webcasts, recipes, and strategic communications.

“As a Canadian chef and chair of the Worldchefs Feed the Planet and Sustainability Committee, I feel truly privileged to see the incredible impact of Feed the Planet projects around the world,” says Shonah Chalmers. “It’s inspiring to witness how chefs are driving change within their communities. I’m especially excited to see the growing support and investment in our young chefs, ensuring they have the tools and guidance to shape a more sustainable future. We are thrilled to be a part of the YCP journey, offering mentorship and celebrating the achievements of this talented new generation.”

Working Hand-in-Hand

The collaboration between Worldchefs and WFF Youth Initiative demonstrates how diverse agrifood systems stakeholders can work Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.

Past collaborations between Worldchefs and WFF include initiatives such as Sustainable Gastronomy Week, which mobilized young chefs to champion biodiversity, celebrate local food cultures, and promote sustainable sourcing. These campaigns highlighted the vital role of chefs as agents of change, reinforcing Worldchefs’ leadership in driving sustainability and innovation in the culinary profession.

world food forum young chefs programme worldchefs

The launch of the YCP marks the next step in a shared mission for a better food future. It equips the next generation of chefs with the tools, networks, and platform to shape sustainable agrifood systems. Together, Worldchefs and WFF Youth Initiative continue to inspire young leaders to harness the power of gastronomy as a force for positive transformation.

– END –

About WFF

The World Food Forum (WFF) is an open and inclusive global platform established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2021 to drive the transformation of agrifood systems through the power of youth, science and innovation, and investment. It brings together stakeholders of all ages and sectors to turn ideas into action, scale solutions, and foster meaningful partnerships that accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the core of the WFF is the Global Youth Action Initiative, which harnesses the passion and ingenuity of young people to advance inclusive food governance, drive youth-led innovation and promote sustainable solutions. Through a diverse set of thematic programmes-covering policy engagement, innovation, cultural expression and grassroots action-the initiative empowers youth with the skills, resources and platforms they need to lead transformative change at local, national and global levels.

About Worldchefs

The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a federation made up of 110 national chef associations. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries years of history since its founding in 1928 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 Culinary Certification recognizing 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.

Visit www.worldchefs.org to learn more.

Media contact: 

Olivia Ruszczyk communications@worldchefs.org

Categories
Partnership

Dilmah: Brewing Futures for Young Chefs through Bocuse d’Or

For Worldchefs’ partner Dilmah, supporting young chefs has never been a corporate initiative, it is a philosophy rooted in purpose. From the beginning, the Dilmah Founder, Merrill J. Fernando envisioned tea as a business that serves humanity. Today, his legacy continues as Dilmah empowers the next generation of culinary professionals by standing alongside them at the Bocuse d’Or.

“When you craft your gotukola velouté or your cinnamon-infused duck, you carry on those plates the aspirations of 1.65 million Sri Lankan farmers,” said Dilhan C. Fernando, CEO of Dilmah. “What you do as chefs is very important to us.”

By championing Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka, Dilmah ensures that emerging chefs are given the rare opportunity to refine their craft, meet global mentors and showcase Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage. More than medals, it is about confidence, exposure and helping young professionals find their voice in the international culinary dialogue.

This commitment extends beyond the competition. Through the MJF Charitable Foundation’s Empower Culinary and Hospitality School, Dilmah trains aspiring chefs from underprivileged communities providing not just skills, but pathways to sustainable careers in gastronomy.

The 2025 Sri Lanka Challenge was one such milestone. While Cinnamon Life emerged as national champions, what truly resonated was the collective spirit of 26 teams who pushed the limits of creativity, innovation and resilience. As the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya affirmed, “This is not just about food. This is about excellence. This is about legacy. This is about identity.”

For young chefs, the Bocuse d’Or is more than competition, it is a launchpad. And with Dilmah’s support, it becomes a journey of opportunity, where skill meets purpose and where the next generation of culinary leaders can dream and achieve without limits.

To learn more about Dilmah Tea, visit https://www.dilmahtea.com/.

Categories
Partnership

Worldchefs Partners with World Central Kitchen to Mobilize Chefs in Global Disaster Relief

Worldchefs and World Central Kitchen (WCK) are joining forces to proactively position chefs to play a powerful role in disaster response across the globe. Chefs are among the most trusted and connected people in their communities. Their leadership empowers them to help WCK get cooking as quickly as possible following crises that are occurring with greater frequency and severity. 

This new collaboration will enable dedicated culinary professionals affiliated with Worldchefs’ member associations to be appointed to join WCK’s Chef Corps. The Chef Corps global network is made up of prominent culinary leaders on standby to assist with the nonprofit organization’s work. When on the ground with WCK, members contribute to providing hot, nourishing meals to people impacted by natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

The two organizations also identified additional opportunities to cooperate during times of need. Worldchefs’ network of accredited culinary schools, for example, can play a role in disaster response. WCK is also able to offer Worldchefs’ members learning and skill development on disaster preparedness. 

About World Central Kitchen

Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises. Applying a model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 500 million nourishing meals around the world.

When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, and emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need. Learn more at wck.org.

About Worldchefs

The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a federation made up of 110 national chef associations. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries years of history since its founding in 1928 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 Culinary Certification recognizing on-the-job skillsin 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.

Visit www.worldchefs.org to learn more.

Media contact: 

Olivia Ruszczyk communications@worldchefs.org

Categories
Partnership

Worldchefs Renews Longstanding Partnership with Dilmah as Premium Partner

  • Worldchefs renews its partnership with Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, a Sri Lankan family tea company and Worldchefs Premium Partner since 2008.
  • This collaboration promotes a shared vision for a sustainable and equitable future, empowering communities through education and innovation.
  • Learn more about Worldchefs partnership opportunities at www.worldchefs.org/partnership.

Paris, 27 August 2025 – Worldchefs is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, a Sri Lankan family tea company and longstanding Worldchefs partner since 2008. This valued partnership continues to strengthen the strong bond between the global culinary community and one of the world’s most passionate advocates for quality, authentic and ethically-produced tea.

Founded by Merrill J. Fernando in 1974, Dilmah has remained true to its founding philosophy that “business is a matter of human service.” Guided by this principle, the company directs its profits to the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. This supports humanitarian and environmental initiatives across Sri Lanka. These efforts have made a lasting impact on thousands of lives and demonstrate Dilmah’s commitment to responsible business.

Dilmah Tea Founder Merrill J. Fernando earning the Lifetime Achievement Award at Worldchefs Congress 2018
Empowering Communities Through Education

Worldchefs and Dilmah’s collaboration continues to focus on shared values of education, sustainability and community empowerment. These values are demonstrated through Dilmah’s involvement in Worldchefs’ Like a Chef program, an an employment training program that equips underprivileged people with culinary workplace skills.

Through this partnership, Dilmah’s Empower Culinary & Hospitality School, which offers free education and training to young adults from marginalized communities, has been officially recognized Like a Chef Training Center. Graduates receive a Worldchefs Like a Chef Diploma, opening doors to culinary careers and expanding opportunities.

Together, Worldchefs and Dilmah are committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities through education.

Best Use of Dilmah Tea Award presented at the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2024 in Singapore
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

The partnership also extends to the competition arena. As an official sponsor of the Global Chefs Challenge Finals, taking place in Wales in May 2026, Dilmah’s teas will be a featured ingredient, underscoring the versatility of tea and sparking culinary innovation for some of the world’s top chefs.

“Worldchefs is proud to continue our partnership with Dilmah, a company that leads with purpose,” says Worldchefs President, Andy Cuthbert. “We are looking forward to continuing to elevate the future of the industry through this collaboration, while shaping a more equitable world.”

Read more from Dilmah in our latest edition of Worldchefs Magazine.

For more information on Dilmah and their products, visit www.dilmahtea.com.

Learn more about Worldchefs partnership opportunities at www.worldchefs.org/partnership.

– END –

About Dilmah Tea

Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando had a unique vision. He wanted to offer consumers the finest tea on earth and to do so with ethics and integrity. That pledge is fulfilled in our commitment to garden fresh, unblended tea. We pride ourselves in manufacturing the finest Ceylon tea in the world. Our Founder’s intention to make his tea ethical is honoured in the work of MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. In making our business a matter of human service, the natural goodness in every cup of Dilmah is extended by the positive humanitarian and environmental impact Dilmah has on comunities and ecosystems.

About Worldchefs

The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a federation made up of 110 national chef associations. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries years of history since its founding in 1928 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 Culinary Certification recognizing on-the-job skillsin 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.

Visit www.worldchefs.org to learn more.

Media contact: 

Olivia Ruszczyk communications@worldchefs.org

Categories
Global Chefs Challenge

Results Are In for the Global Chefs Challenge Americas Regional Semi-Finals!

Discover who will be joining us for the Global Chefs Challenge Finals in May 2026.

  • The Global Chefs Challenge Americas Regional Semi-Finals were held in Las Vegas, USA on 28 July, 2025.
  • Qualifying teams will advance to compete in the Global Chefs Finals during the 2026 Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Wales.
  • To learn more about the Global Chef Challenge and the Road to Wales, visit https://worldchefs.org/globalchefschallenge.

Las Vegas, USA, 4th August 2025 – The Global Chefs Challenge Americas Regional Semi-Finals have come to a close, and the results are now in! Held on July 28, 2025 during the ACF National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, the competition highlighted the remarkable skill and creativity of chefs from across the Americas.

The region’s top chefs showcased their talent across four categories: Global Chefs Challenge, Global Young Chefs Challenge, Global Pastry Chefs Challenge, and Global Vegan Chefs Challenge. The winners will advance to the Global Chefs Challenge Finals, taking place at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 in Wales.

Results are listed below by category.

Global Chefs Challenge Final Qualifying Teams
  • 1st Place: Derek R. Mazzocoli, USA
  • 2nd Place: Jaime Leal Cruz, Mexico
1st Place: Derek R. Mazzocoli, USA
2nd Place: Jaime Leal Cruz, Mexico
3rd Place: Sydney Hamelin, Canada

See the Global Chefs Challenge official results below:

CountryParticipant NameMedalRank
USADerek R. MazzocoliGold Medal1st Place
MexicoJaime Leal CruzSilver Medal2nd Place
CanadaSydney HamelinSilver Medal3rd Place
ChileNicolas GarateSilver Medal4th Place
USAStephen C. BushBronze Medal5th Place

Global Young Chefs Challenge Final Qualifying Team
  • 1st Place: Yeishalee Santana, USA
1st Place: Yeishalee Santana, USA
Pictured left to right: Rene Marquis, Yeishalee Santana,
Andy Cuthbert, and Harry Linzmayer

See the Global Young Chefs Challenge official results below:

CountryParticipant NameMedalRank
USAYeishalee SantanaGold Medal1st Place
USALiliana MoralesGold Medal2nd Place
MexicoJosue SolchagaSilver Medal3rd Place
CanadaSophie DimitriwSilver Medal4th Place
PanamaOmar DelgadoDiploma5th Place
Global Pastry Chefs Challenge Final Qualifying Team
  • 1st Place: Pablo Galvan, Mexico
1st Place: Pablo Galvan, Mexico
Pictured left to right: Rene Marquis, Pablo Galvan,
Rodrigo Ibáñez, Andy Cuthbert, and Harry Linzmayer

See the Global Pastry Chefs Challenge official results below:

CountryParticipant NameMedalRank
MexicoPablo GalvanGold Medal1st Place
USAChrissy Marie JensenSilver Medal2nd Place
USAVanessa TristanBronze Medal3rd Place
VenezuelaMaria EvansDiploma4th Place
Global Vegan Chefs Challenge Final Qualifying Team
  • 1st Place: Michael J. Stamets, USA
1st Place: Michael J. Stamets, USA
Pictured left to right: Rene Marquis, Michael J.
Stamets, and Harry Linzmayer

See the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge official results below:

CountryParticipant NameMedalRank
USAMichael J. StametsSilver Medal1st Place
ChileFrancisca ToroBronze Medal2nd Place
PanamaLeydis GonzalezDiploma3rd Place
USARon PikarskDiploma4th Place
Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award

At the Global Chefs Challenge Americas Regional Semi-Finals, the Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award was presented across two competition categories: Global Chef and Global Young Chef. This distinguished honor celebrates the fusion of culinary excellence with a deep commitment to sustainability, recognizing chefs who excel in both creating world-class dishes and adopting environmentally responsible practices in their kitchens. The recipients are as follows:

  • Jaime Leal Cruz (Mexico) for the Global Chef Challenge
  • Liliana Morales (USA) for the Global Young Chef Challenge
Nestlé Green Spatula Award 2025
2nd Place Global Chefs Challenge: Jaime Leal Cruz, Mexico
2nd Place Global Young Chefs Challenge: Liliana Morales, USA

The Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award was awarded for the first time during the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2024 in Singapore, and will continue to recognize chefs’ sustainable efforts in the Global Chefs Challenge Semi-Finals and the Global Chefs Challenge Finals in Wales 2026.

Relive the Action

Look back on the action from the event! Click here to view the photos.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We’d like to extend a thank you to our sponsors for helping bring this competition to life. Your support helps us empower chefs around the globe and fuels the future of global culinary innovation. We’re grateful and excited for our continued collaboration.

Thank you Nestlé Professional, Dilmah, VanDrie GroupValrhona, and Sterling Halibut.

We also thank the American Culinary Federation (ACF) for their support in hosting the Americas Semi-Finals. Their contributions were integral to the successful delivery of the event in Las Vegas.

The Next Steps: On the Road to the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2026

Discover the results from all of the semi-final competitions that took place in 2025.

Global Chefs Challenge Finals at Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026

Worldchefs Congress & Expo is a hallmark tradition of Worldchefs, and has been organized in cities around the world throughout its illustrious 98-year history. The forum brings together delegates from across the five continents to network and expand their professional bonds. The unique program delivers presentations and workshops from leading experts in the hospitality industry, impactful educational programs including the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum, specialized events designed to uplift the next generation of chefs such as the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, an international trade exhibition, the Global Chefs Challenge competition, and diverse activities to enhance both personal and professional networks.

The 2026 Worldchefs Congress & Expo and Global Chefs Challenge Finals will be held in Wales, hosted by the Culinary Association of Wales.

Visit www.worldchefscongress.org for more information.

– END –


About Worldchefs

The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a federation made up of 110 national chef associations. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries years of history since its founding in 1928 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:

Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.

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 Culinary Certification recognizing on-the-job skillsin 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.

Categories
Partnership

Health and Safety: the intersection with sustainability in professional smart kitchens 

A look at how SkyLine Combi Ovens and Blast Chillers and Freezers can improve health and safety for staff, boost sustainability in restaurants and improve the customer experience. 

Modern commercial kitchens are focused on two key tenets to ensure optimum output.   

The first is health and safety, with a drive to protect the safety and ease of work for kitchen staff, as well as the health and well-being of patrons. The goal? To inspire action to help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks.  

The second is ensuring sustainability in restaurants, with the goal of operating kitchens in a streamlined way, reducing food waste, energy use and costs.  

For today’s restaurants, both go hand in hand. With the right appliances, you can address these two important elements of a modern commercial kitchen. You can create a streamlined work environment for staff through ergonomic design while also working to ensure high food quality, all while ensuring you do your best to protect the environment.   

Electrolux Professional Group always designs commercial kitchen equipment with both health and safety and restaurant sustainability in mind. One key example is the SkyLine Cook and Chill, which enables the pre-preparation of large batches without compromising quality.  

How it Works

The SkyLine Cook and Chill concept safely preserves items for later consumption, firstly cooking food in the SkyLine Combi Oven, then chilling it in record-breaking time in the SkyLine Blast Chiller. It’s a process that helps your restaurant align with strict food safety regulations, while also cutting food costs and extending shelf-life of food items, all through the use of eco-friendly refrigerants that offer minimal climate impact, such as R290 propane.  

Increased Food Safety and Quality 

Unlike traditional food preservation, the SkyLine Cook and Chill concept maintains the essential characteristics of food, including texture, appearance and nutritional value, all of which are rated at the same level as freshly cooked food.   

Blast chilling works to quickly bring food temperature down to protect against the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. It takes food quickly out of the “danger zone” – that’s the region between +8 °C and +68 °C (46.4 °F and 154.4 °F) where bacterial growth is at its most rapid. And with their speedy chilling function, Electrolux Professional commercial SkyLine Blast Chillers and Freezers all work in compliance with HACCP and food safety regulations.  

Cutting Waste 

Electrolux Professional Cook and Chill process has a significant impact on the shelf-life of food and has been shown to help restaurants reduce waste. With attention to detail and by following Electrolux Professional’s best practices and maintenance guidelines, you can significantly improve your cooking workflows and ensure maximum efficiency and safety in the kitchen. It means you can align your restaurant sustainability efforts with a focus on reducing losses across the board – including food, energy and money.  

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the features of this powerful commercial kitchen equipment. That way, you’ll develop a better understanding of the full potential of the brand’s innovative SkyLine Cook and Chill solution, for optimal waste management and cost-cutting.  

Enhancing Sustainability

SkyLine Cook and Chill helps to improve sustainability in restaurants with refrigerants that comply with the most stringent global standards. The refrigerant gas R290, otherwise known as propane, is an eco-friendly refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of 3, offering minimal climate impact. The other refrigerant used is CO2, a completely natural substance that’s fully climate-friendly, with a GWP of 1 – the lowest of all refrigerant gases.  

In addition, Electrolux Professional’s commercial kitchen equipment meets the highest standards for reducing energy consumption, with a range of ovens meeting the ENERGY STAR certification – a trusted symbol for energy efficiency.  

Supporting Kitchen Staff

The best modern kitchen appliances help streamline operations and support workers, ensuring the highest health and safety standards while also supporting sustainability. Electrolux Professional’s SkyLine Cook and Chill are the only commercial kitchen equipment in the world to achieve a four-star rating for ergonomics and ease of use. Improved ergonomics can have a range of benefits for your business, such as:  

Ease of use 

Commercial kitchen equipment with user-friendly interfaces and smart designs help support smooth workflows, reducing the time it takes to onboard staff and increasing efficiency.  

Fewer accidents 

Ergonomics effectively reduces the risk of restaurant staff developing repetitive strain injuries. As ergonomic design focuses on simplifying the kitchen experience, it also acts to reduce fatigue, leaving staff more focused and less prone to accidents.  

Decreased sick leave 

With a reduction in repetitive movements in poorly designed workspaces, ergonomic kitchen equipment helps to maintain a healthy workforce and reduce the number of staff absences. An ergonomic blast chiller reduces sick leave by 75 percent*.  

Improved productivity 

Ergonomic design streamlines kitchen workflows, improving performances across the boast while boosting staff morale and mental health. An ergonomic blast chiller means a 25 percent increase in productivity for your kitchen*.  

Streamline Operations

The SkyLine Cook and Chill improves workflow and efficiency in any kitchen. Each chill cycle has been shown to save 47 minutes on average**, enabling you to better manage your time and increase overall performance. You can even monitor the status of your blast chiller from anywhere with SkyLine Cook and Chill’s intuitive touch interface, while the SkyLine Combi Ovens and Blast Chillers are able to communicate seamlessly thanks to their innovative technology.  

Electrolux Professional SkyLine Cook and Chill solution enables you to benefit from the efficiency of large batch preparation, making your restaurant more sustainable and streamlined while enhancing health and safety standards.   

A Culinary Revolution

By investing in next-generation technology like Electrolux Professional SkyLine Cook and Chill solution, you can make your restaurant a benchmark for health and safety, while catering to a new era of sustainability.  


* Ergonomic interventions can reduce musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) by 59%, with an average decrease of 75% in sick days and a 25% increase in productivity.” – Dr Francesco Marcolin, CEO of ErgoCert (European Certifed Ergonomist – EUR.ERG.). 
** Calculation based on a 10-hour working day with SkyLine ChillS 50/50 kg, data in accordance with Commission Regulation EU 2015/1095. 

Categories
FeedThePlanet - Blog News

Shaping the Future of Food: Reflecting on Feed the Planet’s Impact in 2024-2025

Shaping the Future of Food: Reflecting on Feed the Planet’s Impact in 2024-2025

Earlier this month, team members from Worldchefs, the Electrolux Food Foundation, AIESEC, and Griffith Foods gathered for Feed the Planet’s annual strategic meeting—a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements and set the course for the future.

Reflecting on a Year of Impact

Since our last gathering, the initiative has continued to grow and evolve. As always, our collaboration has delivered impactful results. In under a year, we’ve reached significant milestones together.

Closing out 2024 on a high note, Feed the Planet was honored with second place in the prestigious LIFE Climate Smart Chefs Award 2023–24 for Best Non-Profit Initiative—recognition of our pioneering work in educating chefs and promoting sustainable food practices around the world.

Shonah Chalmers, Chair of Worldchefs’ Feed the Planet Committee

In early 2025, we welcomed Shonah Chalmers as the new Chair of the Feed the Planet Committee. A passionate advocate for sustainability and a dedicated culinary educator, Shonah has been part of the committee since 2016 and brings both experience and vision to the role.

Each year, coming together with all our Feed the Planet partners is a powerful reminder of the impact we can achieve through collaboration. From empowering individuals with job-ready skills to reducing food waste and uplifting local communities, our shared commitment continues to grow stronger. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and energized for what lies ahead as we work together to reshape the future of food.”

Shonah Chalmers, Worldchefs Feed the Planet Committee Chairman

February saw the launch of the Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals course in Arabic—a major step toward making essential training more accessible for tens of thousands of Arabic-speaking chefs globally.

June was marked by two major milestones in collaboration and advocacy. First, Worldchefs joined forces with the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Initiative for Sustainable Gastronomy Week 2025. Chefs aged 18 to 39 were called to take the lead in championing sustainable sourcing, zero-waste practices, energy-efficient cooking, and climate-friendly ingredients during this global celebration. Meet the young chefs and restaurants making an impact in this year’s Sustainable Gastronomy Week here!

A special shoutout to Elisha Kesici, Richard Perez Kombo, and Jasper Jek from the Worldchefs Young Chefs Club for their inspiring participation!

Secondly, our digital event, Sustainably Sourced: Science & Seafood, which highlighted chefs’ vital role in protecting oceans and promoting sustainable seafood, was officially accredited by the United Nations as an official side event of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.

Rewatch Sustainably Sourced: Science & Seafood, the official side-event of the United Nations Ocean Conference, which took place in Nice, France, from 9-13 June 2025.

A Legacy in the Making

The Feed the Planet program was founded by Worldchefs in 2012, and since we joined forces with the Electrolux Food Foundation and AIESEC in 2016, we have:

  • Changed over 1,600 lives through our Like a Chef training program across Sweden, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, St. Lucia and Argentina.
  • Educated over 14,000 chefs through our innovative Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals free course.
  • Inspired over 206,000 children to make better food choices for themselves and the planet through our Food Heroes educational workshop.
  • Reached over 200,000,0000 people across the globe to raise awareness around food sustainability

“It was inspiring to come together once again with our partners for the Feed the Planet meeting. Every time we connect, it reaffirms the strength of our shared commitment to use the power of food to drive positive change. This partnership with Worldchefs is more than a collaboration — it’s a growing movement, where chefs are not just cooking, but leading the way in education, sustainability, and social impact.”

Cosimo Scarano, Head of Electrolux Food Foundation

Get Involved with Feed the Planet


Why take action?

Every year, 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted while 795 million people are undernourished. Meanwhile, One of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the food sector. We must take action every day for a better future, and our plates are an important place to do it.

We have a lot of work to do, but don’t be discouraged. Be excited by the new discoveries, the forgotten joys, the inspiring power you wield as an individual, and the extraordinary potential of a community inspired.

How to take action?


🎓 Become a Sustainability Education Trainer
Inspire the next generation of chefs! Share your knowledge and experience with culinary students and professionals. As an approved Trainer, you’ll gain full access to course materials and join a global network of sustainability leaders. 👉 Apply now

👩‍🍳 Host a Food Heroes Workshop
Help children build healthy eating habits while learning how food choices impact the planet. The Food Heroes toolkit makes it easy with engaging activities, videos, workbooks, and certificates to reward young learners. 👉 Learn more

📘 Take the Sustainability Education Course
Lead by example in your kitchen, school, or community. This free course will deepen your understanding of food systems and climate action—while boosting your credentials. 👉 Sign up for free

🌍 Attend a Webcast or Training
Connect with global experts, gain insights on emerging issues, and learn practical solutions. 👉 Watch our webcasts

🤝 Join Your Local Chef Association’s Sustainability Movement
Support community projects, collaborate with peers, and drive change where it matters most—locally.

🥦 Start a Zero Food Waste Campaign
Whether at home, in the kitchen, or across your organization—track waste, reduce it, and educate others.

🌿 Promote Sustainable Sourcing
Choose ingredients that are local, seasonal, and ethically sourced to support both people and the planet.

👧 Involve Youth
Host school talks, cooking demos, or Food Heroes games to empower young minds to care about food and sustainability.

Learn more about our programs and how to get involved today.

Categories
Partnership

How to Go Zero Waste: the Tips You Need to Know For Your Professional Kitchen  

Everything you need to know about reducing food waste in restaurants to go from wasteful to wonderful 

As a professional commercial kitchen, it’s important to analyze your operations and determine how to do better. There are plenty of simple changes you can make to streamline your operations and make the switch to become a zero-waste facility. Here are the top tips for running a successful zero-waste kitchen. 

UN SDGs and why they’re important 

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action to governments, businesses and individuals worldwide to end poverty, improve health and education, combat climate change and preserve our oceans and forests, among other important causes. 

It’s crucial for all types of businesses to adopt these SDGs. Two of the goals are particularly pertinent for commercial kitchens. Firstly, Goal 9 –– build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation –– touches on the importance of investing in innovative technologies to create a more sustainable business output. 

Another key measure that professional kitchens can adopt is Goal 12 –– ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Creating sustainable, energy-saving workflows and reducing food waste in restaurants should be a priority –– not only will these measures help to reduce the impact on the environment, but they will also improve your business’s bottom line. 

Reducing food waste in restaurants 

According to the National Restaurant Association, four to 10 percent of all food in restaurants fails to even reach the consumer. Restaurants can do better at the back end as well. The first steps should be implementing better kitchen management systems and investing in innovative smart kitchen devices. These devices will not only reduce food waste but also save money, paying for themselves in the long run. 

To prepare greater quantities of food without any going to waste, Electrolux Professional SkyLine Blast Chillers ensure that your cooked food remains fresh for five days in a refrigerator or a year in a freezer. This helps to reduce food waste. 

You can also combine Combi Ovens with Blast Chillers as a SkyDuo, creating a seamless way to pre-prepare large batches. The Cook and Chill solution can help deliver savings of up to $2,000 a month*. 

Single-use items 

A key part of reducing waste in restaurants is making the all-important switch from single-use items to reusable tableware. The likes of disposable takeout containers, and plastic cutlery and straws have an astronomical carbon footprint, consuming large amounts of fossil fuel for production and distribution and taking hundreds, if not thousands of years to decompose after a single use. 

It’s time to stop using them. Breaking your reliance on single-use plastics creates more work initially when it comes to dishwashing, but investing in state-of-the-art appliances can make the switch to reusable tableware streamlined and simple and save you money in the long run. 

Speed up the dishwashing process with a dryer for tableware, making sure your items can be used again swiftly and safely. Electrolux Professional HeroDry is an exceptional free-standing blower for reusable cups and tableware. One of the brand’s sustainable solutions that forms part of its “circular economy” initiative, it’s the perfect solution for eco-friendly drying in a busy gastro environment. 

Choosing the right partners

When it comes to going zero-waste, the right appliances can make all the difference. Alongside your recycling and composting efforts, sourcing fresh and local and avoiding the overproduction of food, how you store and cook it is key. 

Electrolux Professional refrigerated and freezer cabinets can help extend the shelf-life of ingredients (thanks to Optiflow airflow system, designed to guarantee the best temperature uniformity throughout the cabinet) while technologies such as Cook and Chill mean you can bulk prepare food to avoid any wastage. 

These appliances are built to last. Still, as a commercial kitchen with sustainability goals, it’s also important to consider how you will be able to dispose of your machines once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. For instance, 90% of Electrolux Professional refrigeration equipment components can be recyclable or used for energy recovery, meaning you can be confident that even when your device comes to the end of its life, it’s not going to end up in landfill. 

Electrolux Professional is fully committed to the UN’s SDGs. With a pledge to switch to renewable and non-fossil energy sources, we have committed to become a carbon-neutral company in industrial operations by 2030. 

Conclusions

Embrace waste reduction by improving sustainable consumption and production in your kitchen and for your customers. 

By investing in next-generation technology such as Electrolux Professional’s Cook and Chill solution, you can make your restaurant a benchmark for sustainability, at the forefront of the drive to reduce food waste in restaurants. 


*Based on Electrolux Professional Cook&Chill calculator, comparing Cook&Serve versus Cook&Chill method, both performed with Electrolux Professional appliances. Data April 2019. 

Learn more about Electrolux Professional’s Zero Waste Program 

Categories
Global Chefs Challenge

Results Are In for the Global Chefs Challenge Africa & Middle East Regional Semi-Finals!

United Arab Emirates, 25th May 2025 – Following three exciting days of culinary competition at the Global Chefs Challenge Africa & Middle East Regional Semi-Finals, the results are now in! Held from May 21–23, 2025, during ExpoCulinaire and alongside the Emirates Salon Culinaire in Sharjah, UAE, the event showcased the remarkable talent and creativity of the region’s chefs.

Throughout the competition, top chefs showcased their expertise across four categories: Global Chefs Challenge, Global Young Chefs Challenge, Global Pastry Chefs Challenge, and Global Vegan Chefs Challenge. Competitors battled for a prestigious opportunity to advance to the Global Chefs Challenge Finals, set to take place at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 in Wales.

Results are listed below by category.

Global Chefs Challenge Final Qualifying Teams
  • 1st Place: Elizabeth Puleni Taati Isai, Namibia
  • 2nd Place: Yury Evfimento, UAE

See the Global Chefs Challenge official results below:

Global Young Chefs Challenge Final Qualifying Team
  • 1st Place: Kevin Glorial Putra Pamara, Qatar

See the Global Young Chefs Challenge official results below:

Global Pastry Chefs Challenge Final Qualifying Team
  • 1st Place: Ruwan Kumara Phille Gedara, UAE

See the Global Pastry Chefs Challenge official results below:

Global Vegan Chefs Challenge Final Qualifying Team
  • 1st Place: Janam Maharjan, UAE

See the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge official results below:

From left to right: Kevin Glorial Putra Pamara, Elizabeth Puleni Taati Isai, Yury Evfimento, Janam Maharjan, Ruwan Kumara Phille Gedara.
Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award

At the Global Chefs Challenge Africa & Middle East Regional Semi-Finals, the Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award was given to competitors including Elizabeth Puleni Taati Isai (Namibia), Kevin Glorial Putra Pamara (Qatar) and Janam Maharjan (UAE). This prestigious award from Nestlé Professional celebrates the fusion of culinary excellence with a deep commitment to sustainability, recognizing chefs who excel in both creating world-class dishes and adopting environmentally responsible practices in their kitchens.

The Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award was awarded for the first time during the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2024 in Singapore, and will continue to recognize chefs’ sustainable efforts in the Global Chefs Challenge Semi-Finals and the Global Chefs Challenge Finals in Wales 2026.

The Next Steps: On the Road to the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2026

Discover the results from all of the semi-final competitions that took place in 2025.

  • The Global Chefs Challenge – European Semi-Finals held in Rimini, Italy from 16-18 February, 2025.
  • The Global Chefs Challenge – Americas Semi-Finals held in Las Vegas, USA on 28 July, 2025.
  • The Global Chefs Challenge – Asia Semi-Finals held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 23-26 September, 2025.
Thank You to Our Sponsors

Finally, we’d like to give a special thank you to the sponsors of this event, whose support was essential in making the competition a success! We are proud to work alongside these partners and look forward to continued global collaborations.

Thank you Nestlé Professional, Dilmah, VanDrie Group, Ariane Porcelain, Anchor Food Professionals, Koppert CressSterling HalibutValrhona, Ambrose & Paubet and White Queen

Want to Compete in Global Chefs Challenge?

If you wish to put your talent to the test, contact your National Chefs Association for opportunities to participate. Visit worldchefs.org/Members for a list of member nations.

Global Chefs Challenge Finals at Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026

Worldchefs Congress & Expo is a hallmark tradition of Worldchefs, and has been organized in cities around the world throughout its illustrious 98-year history. The forum brings together delegates from across the five continents to network and expand their professional bonds. The unique program delivers presentations and workshops from leading experts in the hospitality industry, impactful educational programs including the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum, specialized events designed to uplift the next generation of chefs such as the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, an international trade exhibition, the Global Chefs Challenge competition, and diverse activities to enhance both personal and professional networks.

The 2026 Worldchefs Congress & Expo and Global Chefs Challenge Finals will be held in Wales, hosted by the Culinary Association of Wales.

Visit www.worldchefscongress.org for more information.

– END –


About Worldchefs

The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a federation made up of 110 national chef associations. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries years of history since its founding in 1928 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:

Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.

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 Culinary Certification recognizing on-the-job skillsin 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.

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