In Memoriam: Merrill J. Fernando, A Visionary Disruptor in the World of Tea
Merrill J. Fernando, the visionary founder of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, passed away at the age of 93 surrounded by family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy and life story marked by empathy, ambition, and action.
In the early 1950s following Sri Lankan independence, Merrill J. Fernando experienced a defining moment. Selected to be trained as a tea taster—a profession previously reserved for British nationals only—he was one of the first Sri Lankans to be sent to Mincing Lane in London. Considered the “Mecca” of the tea world, there he witnessed the disproportional benefits reaped by multinational corporations importing his country’s prized herb.
A young man with a big dream, he set out to create his own brand with a commitment to quality, ethics, and authenticity. From that time, Merrill dedicated his life to building a company that would serve more than tea, making business a matter of human service.
“He resolved to establish his own brand, to offer tea that would be handpicked, handmade and of the highest quality, with the assurance of natural goodness, and a genuine commitment to caring for workers and the environment. It was a dream that none had dared to dream,” said his sons Dilhan and Malik Fernando, who took over the company in 2005.
Dilmah has expanded to over 100 countries, maintaining its founding commitment to quality and integrity. Fernando founded the MJF Charitable Foundation in 2003, sharing a minimum of 15% of Dilmah’s profits to serve communities across Sri Lanka through projects that support the most marginalized. In 2007, he established Dilmah Conservation with a focus on promoting conservation and sustainable agriculture. These commitments have generated over $40 million in direct humanitarian aid and environmental interventions.
The Dilmah School of Tea received Worldchefs certification in 2016.
Dilmah’s Empower Culinary Hospitality and Inspirational School’s culinary course was recognized and certified by Worldchefs in January 2017. An initiative by MJF, its mission was born from Merrill’s belief in giving back. With the invaluable knowledge and skills acquired through the training course, the school hopes to provide its students with employment opportunities as future chefs in the tourism and hospitality sector, in both local and international kitchens, bakeries, and patisseries.
Merrill was honored by Worldchefs with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Merrill was a recipient of many prestigious honors, including Worldchefs Lifetime Achievement Award, for his philosophy on humanitarian service and building a business at the intersection of passion and purpose.
“His achievement in disrupting an exploitative colonial industry irrevocably changed the lives of producers around the world introducing a paradigm shift in ethical business before ethics and sustainable business acquired the prominence they have now,” a statement read on the Dilmah website.
Merrill’s devotion and urgency changed the world. His legacy, deeply rooted in compassion and genuine concern for humanity, continues to inspire generations of tea enthusiasts and industry leaders alike.
The Worldchefs’ community deeply mourns his passing, touched by his unwavering integrity and indomitable passion. A true icon and a valued partner, for over a decade Merrill has been an extraordinary collaborator. Dilmah’s continued support for chefs and hospitality professionals worldwide has been immense. Merrill’s vision and passion have left an indelible mark, and we at Worldchefs are honored to have been a part of his remarkable journey.
Merrill J. Fernando addressed the main forum at Worldchefs Congress in 2016.
“With great sorrow, I have to say a last goodbye to Merrill, with whom I had so many great experiences and missions, a man with an outstanding character, a heart full of gold, a passion for the culinary industry, a great father and loving husband,” said Worldchefs President Thomas A. Gugler. “Dilmah Tea’s and Worldchefs worked together over many years to place Sri Lankan teas on the great world map of culinary arts and cooking competitions. Continuously this bond has developed further and further. My heartfelt condolences to Dilhan and all his family, friends, culinary colleagues, members of the Dilmah organization, and everyone who knew him personally. I would like you to know that you have left a big legacy behind you, which will always be remembered.”
Merrill’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of tea enthusiasts and hospitality professionals, and his spirit will forever be present in the world of tea and culinary excellence. We raise our cuppas to celebrate the life of a true changemaker.
In 2020, Worldchefs interviewed Merrill to explore his approach to “making business a matter of human service”. Hear more about his exceptional life on Worldchefs Podcast: World on a Plate. Listen to the episode, A Live Devoted to Tea, above.
Let us be reminded by Merrill’s iconic slogan – “Do Try It” – to approach challenges and opportunities with the willingness to try, to help, and to dream.
Learn more about Merrill’s legacy at mjf.dilmahtea.com.
Pioneering the Future of Flavor: Griffith Foods and Worldchefs Renew Partnership
Griffith Foods has renewed as a Worldchefs Global Partner. As a family business for more than 100 years, Griffith Foods is known for their industry expertise, comprehensive global insights, collaborative partnerships, and purpose-driven passion. With an aim to shape the future of food, Griffith Foods is a key supporter of Feed the Planet sustainability initiatives to equip chefs with the flavors and tools to set a better course for the future.
Custom Culinary, a business entity of Griffith Foods, offers products that are developed with a team of award-winning chefs, delivering culinary expertise to innovative flavor research with purpose. They offer culinary versatility in convenient formats, delivering authentic flavor and creating better food, value, and relationships to the industry.
Paris, 3 of July 2023 – Griffith Foods, a world-class family-owned global developer and manufacturer of customized food ingredient solutions, has renewed as a Worldchefs Global Partner. Founded in 1919, Griffith Foods is guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and breading, to marinades and sauces blended to exacting specification that are culturally authentic, taste great and are wholesome.
Throughout their 70-year history, Custom Culinary, part of the Griffith Foods family, has maintained a singular mission: to provide foodservice and food processing professionals with true, real, and authentic flavor solutions. Today, Custom Culinary’s solution-driven approach offers culinary versatility in convenient formats, delivering a portfolio of products made with the finest ingredients to ensure exceptional flavor and dependable performance to save time and improve consistency.
A culinary-centric organization, Custom Culinary products are developed with a team of award-winning chefs, bringing culinary expertise and an appreciation for global and regional influences, local sourcing, and cleaner ingredient statements to the table. Combining food science, technology, and the culinary arts, Custom Culinary draws on emerging trends and culinary insights from across their global network to create customized solutions the industry.
Key supporters and collaborators of Worldchefs’ Feed the Planet programs, Griffith Foods and Custom Culinary understand their critical role in addressing food waste and sustainability, working across the food ecosystem to deliver on the company’s sustainability journey and commitments. Leveraging the passion of their dynamic teams, the teams weave culinary inspiration, a focus on nutrition, and a sustainable mindset into each product to support culinary professionals and nourish the world.
“Custom Culinary has been a natural partner for Worldchefs in their commitment to helping culinary professionals perfect the art of flavorful food with purpose,” says Ragnar Fridriksson, Worldchefs Managing Director. “Their support of Feed the Planet programs, culinary competitions, and their understanding of industry and consumer trends all reflect the dedication of their global team to building a better food future. We are delighted to continue our partnership and look forward to what is to come.”
Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals Celebrates 10,000 Graduates
Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals, a Feed the Planet initiative, has reached 10,000 graduates. The free curriculum and online course helps learners deepen their knowledge of sustainable culinary methods and key topics in food systems.
Culinary schools, national chef associations, and training institutions around the globe deliver the program through a network of dedicated Approved Trainers. The e-learning version, launched in 2022, is also available on Worldchefs Academy (www.worldchefsacademy.com). Graduates receive a Worldchefs certificate and digital badge to market their skills.
Learn more about Feed the Planet programs including Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals at feedtheplanet.worldchefs.org.
Paris, 26 June 2023 – Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals, a World Association of Chefs’ Societies’ (Worldchefs) Feed the Planet initiative, has reached 10,000 graduates.
The free Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals course teaches chefs how to think and act sustainably. Available in two formats, the certificate program provides an opportunity for culinary professionals to explore key themes in food systems through a trainer-led course or through self-paced online learning.
The curriculum includes eight lessons to help learners engage with and deepen their knowledge of sustainable culinary theory and methods. Modules include the Big Picture, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Seafood, Energy, Water, Waste Management, and Sustainable Nutrition.
Learners can access Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals through Worldchefs Academy and build skills through the web-based platform or via the mobile app offering an offline study mode.
Culinary schools, national chef associations, and training institutions around the globe deliver the program through a network of dedicated Approved Trainers, with access to detailed lesson plans including presentations, instructor notes, quizzes, activity ideas, localization tips, and assessments. Globally relevant, the trainer-led curriculum is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French. The online version is available in English with additional languages to follow.
Upon completion of the course, participants are equipped with the theory required to complete an assessment and receive a Worldchefs certificate and digital credential in the form of a digital badge – an important way to make skills visible when seeking employment in professional kitchens or demonstrating their commitment to the sustainability movement.
“We are so proud of the more than 10,000 Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals graduates and what this milestone means for the movement,” says Ragnar Fridriksson, Worldchefs Managing Director. “We at Worldchefs set out to help empower culinary professionals to harness ‘the power of the white jacket’ and take on their responsibility to share healthy and sustainable habits with the many people they feed. As the number of graduates continues to grow, we hold tremendous gratitude to our global community and partners whose participation and support make all of this possible.”
A global community of action
Hear directly from Sustainability Education’s Approved Trainers and alumni how the course has helped to inform and activate culinary professionals around the world to build a better food future.
Valeria Hernandez
Corporate Executive Chef at Griffith Foods, Central America and the Caribbean
Environmental sustainability education has always been one of the most important topics for me as a chef since I come from a country in which we are very concerned about the environment. I always thought that we needed a massive effort to generate significant action, but after looking at Feed the Planet’s information, I realized that change can be created in small actions and that the power of a white jacket can change the world.
Soon Pau Voon
Teaching Fellow at Sunway University, Malaysia
Very interesting curriculum! The course provides an opportunity for students to explore a path away from traditional teaching and learning method. They are now more aware of the big word – Sustainability, and hopefully, they will use this knowledge in their future careers.
Mark serice
Vice President of Global Culinary at Griffith Foods
As chefs who fundamentally depend on the earth for inspiration and creativity, we are ethically bound to preserve those gifts through knowledge, understanding, and stewardship. The sustainability course from the Worldchefs is the first step for our global guild in moving forward to make a difference. We now have another opportunity to scale positive impact by working together globally.
Bongani Baloyi
Sous Chef at The Blue Train, South Africa
Today’s session was talking to me as an individual; it relates to me as a professional in my line of work. Really learned so much in terms of energy-saving measures, not only in my career space but also on a personal level, saving and using energy responsibly indeed plays a bigger role in our lives and sustainability. Change attitude and habits is a process I am beginning from this lesson going onwards, starting with changing myself first then automatically in the process of changing my team and colleagues.
Rochelle schaetz
Head of Marketing, Europe & Africa at Griffith Foods
As chefs, we often underestimate “the power of the white jacket” to influence the food choices consumers make. As custodians of the worlds’ food supply, we must lead by example, be responsible in our recommendations, menus, products, and in how we run our kitchens. The program reinforced the urgency of addressing the world’s food security challenges and the role we as chefs have to play.
Terry jenkinson
Head of Culinary Arts at Silver Spoon Hospitality Academy, Namibia
The sustainability course has proven to be very informative, especially as we here at Silver Spoon Hospitality Academy in Namibia have been active in creating an awareness of the importance of biodiversity, conserving natural resources, and making the most of products indigenous to our country. The students who participated in the curriculum have a better understanding of what we have been teaching as well as a newfound respect for ensuring long-term sustainability of our natural resources.
Amro fahed al yassin
Amro Fahed Al Yassin Vice President of the Emirates Culinary Guild and Worldchefs Academy Arabic Advisor
I’ve been watching Feed the Planet and sustainability programs. This is something that we are only in need of, it’s a must for each and every chef to do this. It’s a partnership in education. There is a lot of efforts from Worldchefs and you have the efforts from the restaurants to get people involved. They are caring about the education of their staff.
John carlo palacol
Faculty Member at LPU Laguna
Sustainability education is becoming increasingly important as we face environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. At Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in Laguna, students are not only learning about sustainable practices, but they are also putting their knowledge into action through their participation in the Worldchefs Feed the Planet program.
The success of the Worldchefs program at LPU Laguna is a testament to the power of sustainability education. By providing students with the knowledge and skills to create sustainable food practices, they are not only making a positive impact on the environment, but they are also preparing themselves for careers in the food industry that are increasingly focused on sustainability.
The Feed the Planet program at LPU Laguna is an inspiring example of how sustainability education can lead to positive change. As we continue to face environmental challenges, sustainability education will become increasingly important in preparing the next generation to create a more sustainable future.
The e-learning version of Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals was launched in 2022 on Worldchefs Academy, adding to the line-up of free courses available for chefs around the world and at any stage of their career. The online course was created by Worldchefs Feed the Planet initiative, powered by Electrolux Food Foundation and Custom Culinary, with the support of content advisors of culinary educators and experts around the globe.
Course Advisors
Title
Country
Anne McBride
Deputy Director of the Torribera Mediterranean Center (TMC)
Italy
Chris Koetke
Chairman of Worldchefs Feed the Planet & Sustainability Committee
USA
Clinton Monchuk
Executive Director of the Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan
Canada
Daniel Schweizer CEC, CCA, WCEC
Executive Chef at Goddard Catering Group, Vice President ACF Jamaica Chapter, and Member of Worldchefs Feed the Planet & Sustainability Committee
Jamaica
Jihan Sahawnih
Culinary Professor at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Member of Worldchefs Feed the Planet & Sustainability Committee
Jordan
Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D, CHE, CRC
Professor and Director at Drexel University
USA
Kelly Daynard
Executive Director of Farm & Food Care Ontario
Canada
Richard Young
Director of the Frontier Energy Food Service Technology Center Frontier Energy, Inc.
USA
Rodrigo Duarte-Casar, MSc
Lecturer at the School of Gastronomía Universidad Técnica de Manabí
Ecuador
Sheila A. Bowman
Seafood Watch Manager of Culinary Initiatives at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
USA
Shonah Chalmers CCC, BSc, WCCE
Culinary Professor at Humber College and Vice Chairwoman of Worldchefs Feed the Planet & Sustainability Committee
Canada
Terence Keith Jenkinson
Head of Culinary Arts at Silver Spoon Hospitality Academy
Namibia
Vincent Doumeizel
Vice President of Food Beverage and Sustainability for Lloyd’s Register Foundation
France
“For us at Worldchefs, it is important to give aspiring chefs the foundation for a proper learning system that is available to all,” says Worldchefs President Thomas Gugler. “On behalf of the Worldchefs Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate all the volunteers and our wondering sponsors who helped to bring this educational opportunity to chefs around the world. We are proud to provide the resources to help prepare our industry for a better future,” says Worldchefs President Thomas Gugler.
Take action
Start the Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals course for free at www.worldchefsacademy.com, and receive a digital badge to show your achievement.
The Worldchefs Academy mobile app can be downloaded on both the App Store and Google Play, and at www.worldchefsacademy.com.
Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals is made possible with the support of Feed the Planet partners and the tireless contributions of Worldchefs’ members around the globe. Worldchefs extends the utmost gratitude to all course participants, program trainers, and educational institutions who bring their time, expertise, and vision to all Feed the Planet initiatives.
Read more in the latest issue of Worldchefs Magazine
Head to page 47 in Issue 29 to read more about the impact of Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals’ free curriculum.
From mastering the art of sustainable cooking to embracing the latest technological advancements in the kitchen, Worldchefs Magazine is your guide to staying at the forefront of the culinary profession.
See the final results for the Global Chefs Challenge Africa & Middle East Regional Semi-Finals!
The Africa & Middle East regional semi-final rounds for the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge culinary competition were held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, as part of Expo Culinaire and Emirates Salon Culinaire.
Qualifying teams will advance to compete in the Global Chefs Finals during the 2024 Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Singapore.
See more photos of the Americas Regional Global Chefs Challenge Semi-Final event here.
Paris, 21 June 2023 –The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) has announced the results from the Africa & Middle East regional semi-final rounds of the prestigious Global Chef Challenge culinary competition. The competition was held during Expo Culinaire and Emirates Salon Culinaire in Sharjah with the participation of chefs from Worldchefs’ member countries across Africa and the Middle East. Worldchefs represents the largest international membership of culinary professionals, with over 100 national chef society members.
The top culinary teams from the region showcased their skills, creativity, and craftsmanship through four competition categories: Global Chefs Challenge, Global Vegan Chefs Challenge, Global Pastry Chefs Challenge, and Global Young Chefs Challenge – Hans Bueschkens Trophy. Competitors went head to head for a coveted chance to compete at the Global Chef Challenge Finals during the 2024 Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Singapore.
Final Results:
Results are listed below by category: Global Chefs Challenge, Global Vegan Chefs Challenge, Global Pastry Chefs Challenge, and Global Young Chefs Challenge.
Global Chefs Challenge
First Place: UAE
Chef John Buenaventura
Second Place: South Africa
Chef Marike Van Staden
Global Vegan Chefs Challenge
First Place: UAE
Chef Ahmad Kasdi Bin Mohd Dahari
Global Pastry Chefs Challenge
First Place: UAE
Chef Dilip Kumara
Global Young Chefs Challenge
First Place: UAE
Chef Shayan Viranga
Congratulations to each participant, and to the qualifying teams that will move on to compete in Singapore at the Global Chefs Challenge Finals.
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 2024
Worldchefs Congress & Expo is a hallmark tradition of Worldchefs, and has been organized in 39 cities around the world throughout its illustrious 94-year history. The four-day 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 2024 Worldchefs Congress & Expo and Global Chefs Challenge Finals will be held in Singapore, hosted by the Singapore Chefs Association.
Read more in the latest issue of Worldchefs Magazine
From mastering the art of sustainable cooking to embracing the latest technological advancements in the kitchen, Issue 29 is your guide to staying at the forefront of the culinary profession.
See the final results for the Global Chefs Challenge Americas Regional Semi-Finals!
The Americas regional semi-final rounds for the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge culinary competition were held in Santiago, Chile from 23-26, May 2023.
Qualifying teams will advance to compete in the Global Chefs Finals during the 2024 Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Singapore.
See more photos of the Americas Regional Global Chefs Challenge Semi-Final event here.
Paris, 20 June 2023 –The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) has announced the results from the Americas regional semi-final rounds of the prestigious Global Chef Challenge culinary competition. The event was held in Santiago, Chile with the participation of chefs from Worldchefs’ member countries in the Americas. Worldchefs represents the largest international membership of culinary professionals, with over 100 national chef society members.
The top culinary teams from across the Americas showcased their skills, creativity, and craftsmanship through four competition categories: Global Chefs Challenge, Global Vegan Chefs Challenge, Global Pastry Chefs Challenge, and Global Young Chefs Challenge – Hans Bueschkens Trophy. Competitors went head to head for a coveted chance to compete at the Global Chef Challenge Finals during the 2024 Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Singapore.
Final Results:
Results are listed below by category: Global Chefs Challenge, Global Vegan Chefs Challenge, Global Pastry Chefs Challenge, and Global Young 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 2024
Worldchefs Congress & Expo is a hallmark tradition of Worldchefs, and has been organized in 39 cities around the world throughout its illustrious 94-year history. The four-day 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 2024 Worldchefs Congress & Expo and Global Chefs Challenge Finals will be held in Singapore, hosted by the Singapore Chefs Association.
Read more in the latest issue of Worldchefs Magazine
From mastering the art of sustainable cooking to embracing the latest technological advancements in the kitchen, Issue 29 is your guide to staying at the forefront of the culinary profession.
Amid catastrophic flooding in Northern Italy, Worldchefs’ member Federazione Italiana Cuochi (FIC) and World Chefs Without Borders provide thousands of displaced people with food and comfort.
Catastrophic flooding in Northern Italy has displaced thousands and upended livelihoods. Worldchefs member FIC is on the ground providing emergency food relief to flood-stricken communities.
Flooding in Northern Italy has killed 15 people and displaced more than 36,000. Worldchefs’ member FIC has responded with emergency food relief, delivering solidarity and food assistance to those in need.
In Emilia-Romagna, dozens of chefs from the FIC Solidarity and Emergency Department (DSEFIC) have worked around the clock to provide hot meals to those whose lives have been upended by the deadly floods.
FIC volunteer chefs prepare hot meals in emergency kitchens in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.
“Since May 19, our teams of emergency cooks have been on the field in the cities of Imola and Riolo Terme to prepare meals for the population and rescuers,” says Roberto Rosati, DSE President and World Chefs Without Borders Committee Member. “To date we have produced almost 12,000 complete meals.” Worldchefs Without Borders provided 4,000 euro to help fund the food relief effort.
On the frontlines of the climate crisis
DSEFIC’s work on the ground is helping flood-hit families get back on their feet by providing immediate food assistance.
The Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy is one of the country’s agricultural hubs. The flooding has inundated farmlands and destroyed produce, decimating a region known as the “Fruit Valley”. Greenhouses and stables have also been affected, resulting in the loss of animals. More than 5,000 farms have been submerged, including fields of corn and grain, compounding on record inflation and soaring food prices.
Livelihoods, croplands, and homes have been devastated by the catastrophic flooding, a region where researchers warn will see more violent and frequent storms due to the accelerating climate crisis.
The floods followed years of severe drought, which compacted the soil and reduced its ability to absorb rainfall. Rising temperatures have intensified droughts, leading to soil dryness and changes in permeability. With extreme amounts of rainfall in a short period, runoff is exacerbated, causing rivers to overflow and alter their course. Over 20 rivers in the region have burst their banks, triggering numerous landslides.
Emilia Romagna’s President, Stefano Bonaccini, likened the devastation to a “new earthquake,” just days before the anniversary of a deadly earthquake that struck the region in 2012.
Experts warn that flood-battered Northern Italy will see more violent and frequent storms, linking the disaster to the accelerating climate crisis.
The Worldchefs community stands in solidarity
DSEFIC has been working tirelessly to provide meals for the affected population. To ensure that their disaster response program can effectively assist affected communities, DSEFIC is seeking donations to enhance their kitchen operations in Riolo and Imola.
The support and contributions of individuals and organizations will play a crucial role in helping the affected regions recover from this tragic event.
Donations can be made via bank transfer using the following bank details:
Bank: Monte dei Paschi di Siena Account Name: C/C in the name of the FIC Solidarity and Emergencies Department IBAN: IT64Z0103003213000063363833 SWIFT: PASCITM1R13
From a young dreamer to a creator of culinary art… this is young Azradeen’s awe-inspiring culinary journey. His story in which he allowed his dreams to lead him rather than allowing his hurdles to push them.
Learn more about Azradeen’s culinary journey below:
ABOUT DILMAH TEA
Sri Lankan family tea company Dilmah, was established by Merrill J. Fernando to bring quality, Single Origin Ceylon Tea, garden fresh and unblended, to tea drinkers around the world. His Dilmah Tea brand was the first genuinely ethical tea brand, bringing a smile to the faces of the underprivileged in Sri Lanka, whilst giving consumers quality, authenticity and natural goodness in their cup of tea.
BECOME A WORLDCHEFS PARTNER
Partner with Worldchefs to get connected with our international membership of professional associations, hospitality schools, and companies around the globe.
Learn more about our partnership opportunities here.
A New Ingredient in the Mix: Anchor Food Professionals and Worldchefs Announce Global Partnership
Anchor Food Professionals has joined the largest culinary trade association as a Worldchefs Global Partner and official dairy sponsor of Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024.
As a part of Fonterra brand, a co-operatively owned global dairy company from New Zealand, Anchor Food Professionals creates high quality, fit-for-purpose products and solutions for foodservice professionals in over 50 countries.
Paris, 29 of May 2023 – Anchor Food Professionals and Worldchefs have announced a new global partnership. Joining as a Worldchefs Global Partner, Anchor Food Professionals is now the official dairy sponsor of Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024. A part of Fonterra, a co-operatively owned global dairy company from New Zealand, Anchor Food Professionals creates high quality, fit-for-purpose products and solutions for foodservice professionals in over 50 countries.
The partnership marks a key opportunity for collaboration in culinary expertise and trends with the largest international culinary trade association. Putting the brand’s New Zealand dairy heritage and experience to good use, Anchor Food Professionals expands their insights for kitchens large and small around the world while showcasing grass-fed, natural dairy nutrition; free from GMO, growth hormones and antibiotics*.
Anchor Food Professionals works with customers to help improve their products and grow their businesses. The company’s Global Advisory Chefs provide technical knowledge, develop new products, provide menu ideation and deliver first-hand experience of busy kitchens to help customers gain a competitive edge. Through industry insights and world-leading research and innovation, Anchor Food Professionals continuously introduce new dairy ingredients and service solutions that help meet the demands of today’s foodservice professionals.
Steven Ong, Global Advisory Chef for Anchor Food Professionals
“I’m super excited about our partnership with Worldchefs—the World Association of Chefs’ Societies—as it’s the global authority of the culinary industry,” says Steven Ong, Global Advisory Chef for Anchor Food Professionals. “With Worldchefs, we get the opportunity for prominent visibility, raising our profile in front of a captivated audience of chefs through more than 110 member countries on all continents. We will also be able to showcase our premium AFP products to a targeted audience of chefs and gastronomy opinion leaders by being the ‘Worldchefs most trusted dairy brand.’”
“The world of food is constantly evolving, and it is rare to find a company that has made the intentional choice to dedicate resources to really learning with and listening to food service professionals,” says Rick Stephen, Chairman of Worldchefs Culinary Competition Committee and former Continental Director for Asia. “We welcome their chefs to our international network and look forward to meeting them in kitchens around the globe.”
By adding Anchor Food Professional’s cream and butter into the mix at Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024 in Singapore, thousands of the world’s best chefs will experience world-leading products at trade events, global showcases, and more.
*When cows are sick and require antibiotic treatment, it is under veterinary advice. Antibiotics can only be prescribed by a veterinarian in New Zealand, and animals requiring treatment are removed from the herd and do not contribute to a farm’s milk supply until their withholding period has concluded and they are clinically recovered.
A traditional way for cooking rice in the Spanish countryside. By Luis Soto Villalta.
History
Arroz Campero is a traditional dish hailing from the rural regions of Spain, where it has been cooked for generations over a woodfire since the Medieval times. This rustic dish typically consists of rice cooked in a large pot along with a variety of meats and vegetables, giving it a hearty and flavorful profile.
The process of cooking over a woodfire is an art in itself. It requires a certain level of expertise and patience to cook the rice to perfection without overcooking or burning it. The woodfire adds a smoky flavor to the dish that cannot be replicated by any other cooking method.
The ingredients used vary depending on the region and personal preference. However, the most common ingredients include chicken, pork, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The meats are typically cooked first in the pot, followed by the vegetables and rice. Once everything is added, the pot is covered and left to cook over the woodfire until the rice is tender and fluffy.
The dish is often served with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. Arroz Campero is not only delicious but also incredibly filling and nutritious, making it a popular choice for large family gatherings and special occasions.
The woodfire cooking method is slowly disappearing in modern times, with many opting for more convenient and modern cooking methods. However, those who still cook it over a woodfire insist that it is the only way to achieve the authentic smoky flavor and rustic charm that has made this dish a staple of Spanish cuisine in the countryside.
Ingredients for 6 Servings
600g of rice.
1 kg of pork ribs.
1 chicken, cut into pieces.
3 onions, chopped.
3 tomatoes, chopped.
2 green bell peppers, chopped.
2 red bell peppers, chopped.
2 teaspoons of sweet paprika.
A pinch of saffron.
2,4 liters of water.
Salt and pepper.
Olive oil.
Instructions
To control the woodfire and avoid burning the rice, you can follow some tips: using well dry hard wood, using a metal grate, controlling the embers with a poker, and adding or removing wood to control the boiling, making sure the water doesn’t stop boiling but doesn’t boil excessively (150-175ºC), avoiding stirring the rice too much but making sure it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
Cooking:
Start by lighting a fire with wood in a large pot or paella pan, allowing it to burn down to embers.
Season the pork ribs and chicken with salt and pepper and brown them in the pot with some olive oil.
Remove the meats from the pot and set them aside.
Add the chopped onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers to the pot and cook until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned.
Stir in the paprika and saffron and cook for a few more minutes.
Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it in the vegetable mixture.
Pour in the water, and return the meats to the pot, pushing them down into the rice mixture.
Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If the water dries up while the rice is still hard, you can add more water, but must be hot to avoid interrupting the boiling process.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon if desired.
About the Author
My mother and grandfather introduced me to professional cooking. As people say in Spain: I learned to cook from the bottom of my mother’s skirt. The tradition in the family comes from my grandfather when he founded the first restaurant of the family in 1916. I have later studied both professional cooking and hotel management. I focused my career on kitchen and accommodation management, especially in the rural environment and the wilderness.
Dear members of the Panel of Chefs of Ireland, Worldchefs and colleagues,
It is with great sadness that we convey the news that our dear friend and colleague Paddy Brady passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 2 May, surrounded by his loving family.
Paddy was a lifelong member of the Panel of Chefs and played a pivotal role in the development and growth of the organization. He held many senior positions including Branch Secretary, National Secretary, National President, and more recently Vice President and Board member. Paddy devoted so much of his time and commitment to many projects, including the Chef Ireland Culinary Competitions, working with sponsors and other organizations to promote the work and profile of chefs throughout Ireland. He loved encouraging and supporting competitors who participated in the various competitions that were held across the country and beyond. Paddy was a great supporter of Worldchefs in their role of promoting and enhancing the profile of chefs across the globe, and he made many friends when attending congresses and meetings.
Paddy trained and worked in some of Irelands top hotels, including the Shelbourne and Berkley Court, also working and teaching abroad in Switzerland, before returning home to Ireland and taking up the position of Executive Chef at the Westbury Hotel, where he spent more than 20 years. He was there to witness the Hotel being recognised as one of the best hotels in the world, an achievement and accolade that made him and his team so proud.
He hosted many top chefs from abroad when they participated in their annual International Culinary weeks showcasing some of the world’s finest cuisines.
Paddy was instrumental in creating an in-house trainee programme for his apprentice chefs, many of whom have gone on to establish their own distinguished careers in both hospitality and education. Paddy was highly respected both as an individual and in his professionalism by all who knew him and who were fortunate to have worked with him, He would often remark at how proud he was to see and hear of their successes.
While Paddy will be remembered for his lifelong commitment and dedication to our craft, he will also be remembered as a true Gentleman, Chef and friend. On behalf of the Board of Directors and members, we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Helen and family, and his wide circle of friends. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time in dealing with his enormous loss.
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