In this issue of Infusion, the Scottish Chefs magazine, meet David Millar, Scottish Chef of the Year, look back on the Scottish Culinary Championships and view upcoming events.
To learn more about Worldchefs, click here.
Tag: #ThisIsWorldchefs
- Worldchefs wins two international recognitions at Acquisition International’s Non-Profit Awards 2025, reinforcing the organization’s leadership in the non-profit space.
- The leading voice in hospitality, Worldchefs has been recognized as Most Influential Culinary Profession Development Organization and awarded for Sustainability Education Excellence.
- These two honors affirm Worldchefs’ positive global impact on the industry, its people and sustainability.
Paris, July 17 2025 – Worldchefs has been recognized with two prestigious honors from Acquisition International’s Non-Profit Awards 2025: Most Influential Culinary Profession Development Organization and the Sustainability Education Excellence Award.
Now in its fifth edition, the Acquisition International Awards celebrate outstanding non-profit organizations making a measurable impact across sectors. For Worldchefs, these accolades underscore the organization’s dedication to building a more skilled, inclusive, and sustainable future for the culinary industry.
“We’re proud to recognise those who play a part in improving this world and the lives of our fellow beings,” said Melissa Bramall, Awards Coordinator at Acquisition International. “It’s such an honour to celebrate their successes and learn from their stories. Congratulations again.”
These awards reinforce Worldchefs as a leader in the non-profit space, and elevate the organization’s reputation as a global leader in advancing culinary careers and equipping chefs with the tools to lead meaningful change. Through internationally recognized certification, educational opportunities, and initiatives like Feed the Planet, Worldchefs empowers culinary professionals at every stage.
With a network spanning 110 countries, Worldchefs’ work in sustainability, education, and professional development continues to shape the future of hospitality.
To read the full awards announcement from Acquisition International, click here.
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About Acquisition International Magazine
Acquisition International launched in 2010, and has, over the years, evolved into a business title that professionals rely on to bring them the business knowledge, insight, and news they need. Each month their magazine is circulated to business leaders and key professionals, including top tier managers, investment professionals, business advisers and service providers. Acquisition International is owned by UK B2B media group AI Global Media.
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
Bidding Opens to Host the 2030 Worldchefs Congress & Expo: Be a Part of a Century-Long Legacy
The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs), the largest international body of professional chefs associations, has opened the bidding process for the 2030 Worldchefs Congress & Expo, inviting interested Worldchefs members and Convention Bureaus to submit their proposal to host the prestigious global event.
- The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) has opened the bidding process to host the 2030 Worldchefs Congress & Expo, the biennial gathering of the largest international membership of professional cookery associations, hospitality schools,
and companies around the globe. - The major international event provides a unique opportunity for countries to showcase their cuisines and chef talent, boost tourism, and build future trade links.
- Worldchefs invites interested members and Convention Bureaus to submit their proposal to host the Worldchefs Congress 2030 by 31 December 2026.
Paris, 12 July 2025 – The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) has opened the bidding process to host the 2030 Worldchefs Congress & Expo.
Since 1928, the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo has united a global community of chefs and cross-industry innovators to explore the past, present, and future of the culinary profession. The major international event captures the interest of the global culinary community, providing a unique opportunity for countries to showcase their cuisines and chef talent, boost tourism, and build future trade links.
The four-day event 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, and diverse activities to enhance both personal and professional networks.
“Our Congress is a launchpad for ideas, friendships, and lifelong learning,” says Mr. Charles Carroll, Congress Chairman. “I urge eligible Worldchefs members to bring their passion, their community and their vision to their bid for the 2030 Congress event. This is your moment to shine for the culinary world, tell your story and bring chefs together in a celebration of culture, education, and excellence.”
Shaping the Future with a 100-Year-Long Legacy
The 2028 Worldchefs Congress & Expo will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Worldchefs in its founding city of Paris, France, and the announcement of the 2030 Congress host.
Over the course of this century-long history, each Worldchefs Congress has welcomed 600 to 800 delegates from across the globe, offering a premier platform to showcase national cuisine, culture, and culinary talent. Hosting this flagship event elevates a country’s international profile, fosters global culinary partnerships, and drives tourism through both delegate participation and extended travel opportunities.
In addition to its economic impact—through spending on accommodation, dining, and local services—the Congress reinforces the host destination’s position as a leader in gastronomy, sustainability, and innovation.
- 2028 Paris, France
- 2026 Newport, Wales
- 2024 Singapore
- 2022 Abu Dhabi, UAE
- 2020 St. Petersburg, Russia *Cancelled due to COVID-19
- 2018 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 2016 Thessaloniki, Greece
- 2014 Stavanger, Norway
- 2012 Daejeon, South Korea
- 2010 Santiago de Chile, Chile
The most recent Worldchefs Congress & Expo was held in 2024 in Singapore, hosted by the Singapore Chefs Association. Learn more about the legacy and impact of Worldchefs Congress 2024 here.
“Hosting the Worldchefs Congress is an opportunity to put your country’s chefs and culinary identity on the international stage. It’s about leaving a legacy and making a global mark,” says Worldchefs President Andy Cuthbert. “In my experience, the best events come from teams who dream big and execute with heart. I’m looking forward to seeing bids show ambition and reflect the pride of our diverse membership and where they come from, the heartbeat of our global family.”
Submit a Proposal to Host the 2030 Worldchefs Congress
Applications to host Worldchefs Congress are accepted from active Worldchefs National Member Associations, in collaboration with their convention bureaus. A complete list of Worldchefs National Member Associations is available at www.worldchefs.org/Members.
To be eligible, bidding member associations must have actively participated in at least two previous Congresses and demonstrate strong national support, accessible event infrastructure, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusion.
The process begins with an Interest Package due by 31 December 2026, followed by the selection of up to five shortlisted destinations in January 2028. These finalists will then submit a full Bid Package and present their proposals at the Worldchefs Congress 2028 in Paris, where the 2030 host will be chosen through a member vote.
For more information eligibility requirements and the process to submit a proposal to host the Worldchef Congress & Expo in 2030, visit www.worldchefs.org/Congress-Bidding.
About Worldchefs Congress & Expo
The Worldchefs Congress brings together chef delegates and professionals from across five continents, offering a premier platform to network, expand professional bonds, and showcase national cuisine, culture, and culinary talent.
The unique program features presentations and workshops from leading industry experts, impactful educational initiatives such as the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum, and specialized events designed to uplift the next generation of chefs, including the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum.
With a proud history of 98 years and having been hosted in 40 cities worldwide, the Congress not only enhances personal and professional networks but also elevates a host country’s international profile, fosters global culinary partnerships, and drives tourism through delegate participation and extended travel.
Beyond its significant economic impact through spending on accommodation, dining, and local services, the Worldchefs Congress reinforces the host destination’s standing as a leader in gastronomy, sustainability, and innovation.
To learn more about Worldchefs Congress, visit www.worldchefscongress.org/about.
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.
– END –
Media contact:
Olivia Ruszczyk communications@worldchefs.org
In a remarkable display of culinary talent and international competitiveness, young chefs representing Chefs Association of Pakistan (CAP) and College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM) have achieved an extraordinary milestone at the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) 2025, held from May 27 to May 31, 2025.
Participating for the first time in this prestigious global culinary event, the Pakistani delegation proudly secured 14 Diploma Certificates and 5 Bronze Medals, marking a momentous achievement for the country’s hospitality and culinary education sector.
The medalists are:
- Amina Basit
- Muhammad Mustafa Shahid
- Muhammad Nouman
- Hamna
- MahNoor Murtaza
These accolades not only celebrate the individual achievements of these young chefs but also underscore the strength of CAP and COTHM’s training programs and the rising global presence of Pakistani culinary arts.
Mian Shahid Mehmood, Vice President of the Chefs Association of Pakistan, praising the team’s exceptional performance said, “Earning 14 Diploma Certificates and 5 Bronze Medals at such a challenging international culinary platform is a significant achievement. It is a proud moment for Pakistan, and it proves that our young chefs are capable of competing on a global stage.”
Their coach, Tipu Imran, Executive Chef at COTHM Johar Town, also expressed his pride in the team. “It was the students’ first time competing on such an international stage, yet they performed exceptionally well,” he said. “With this experience, they’ll continue to grow and achieve even greater success in the future.”
Fraaz Kasuri, Manager of the Chefs Association of Pakistan and team manager for TUCC 2025, praised the young Pakistani chefs, saying they are both talented and passionate. “They’ve truly earned what they worked so hard for,” he added.
While appreciating the team telephonically, Chefs Association of Pakistan President Ahmad Shafiq congratulated the students and CAP members on their outstanding performance. He said the achievement reflects the high-quality training provided at COTHM and showcases the talent and potential of Pakistani youth. “Winning bronze medals on such a tough global stage is like gold to us,” he added. “This success not only brings pride to COTHM and CAP but also highlights Pakistan’s growing presence in the international culinary arena.”
Chef Willment Leong, Organizing Chairman of the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2025 and Continental Director for Asia at WorldChefs, commended the Pakistan team on their debut performance. “It was Pakistan team’s first time participating in TUCC, and they showed great enthusiasm and potential,” he said. “They gained valuable experience this year, and I am confident they will come back stronger and achieve even better results in future competitions.”
Success on the International Stage
This success marks a major milestone in CAP and COTHM’s commitment to culinary excellence, innovation, and international collaboration. The participation and victory at TUCC 2025 has set a new benchmark for aspiring chefs in Pakistan highlighting the growing recognition of Pakistani cuisine and culinary education worldwide.
See below for recipe
Avocado Toast didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Its origin story began long before it was an Instagram sensation and the “downfall” of millennial budgets across the nation. There are several legends about how toast smeared with avocado came about. It turns out its roots reach further than you might imagine.
The person who claims he put avocado toast on menus across the world is Bill Granger of bills restaurant in Sydney, Australia. Granger says he has no doubt that Australian cafe culture is what brought this breakfast into the spotlight. His version of avocado, lime, salt, and olive oil on toast was on the menu as early as 1993.
However, Chef Chloe Osborne of NYC’s Cafe Gitane says that she snacked on avocado toast in Australia during the 1970s, eventually bringing the tradition with her to the USA. She later added avocado toast to her Manhattan restaurant’s menu, with the earliest recorded appearance in 2006, though she claims they served it up before then. Her avocado toast really helped the trend spread across America. The Kitchen posted a copycat recipe in 2008, and since then, it’s spread and evolved across the country, with an avocado toast recipe in Gwyneth Paltrow‘s It’s All Good being hailed as another turning point for the humble breakfast item.
Avocado Toast in California
Avocados grow abundantly in Mexico, so it makes sense that they would have made their way to California. A New Yorker article describes a diner enjoying an avocado sandwich on whole wheat at Best Drug Stores, Inc. in Los Angeles in 1937. Even earlier, in 1931, the LA Times wrote about women enjoying avocado on toast with their coffee, hot or iced, after long days of shopping.
Outside of Los Angeles, it seems like the meal wasn’t unheard of, either. In a 1920 article for the Covina Argus, there’s a recipe for avocado on toast. More notably, The San Francisco Chronicle ran an article in 1927 suggesting that one should “Mash the flesh of the avocado and spread thickly on toast or between thin slices of bread.”
According to Rico Torres, co-chef of Mixtli in San Antonio, Texas, records of humans eating avocado date back 10,000 years ago in Puebla, Mexico, where avocados, indigenous to Mexico, were domesticated there before spreading to Central and South America. Torres says that avocado on a toasted tortilla likely preceded avocado on toasted bread.
Bread arrived in Mexico in the 1500s, along with Spanish colonizers, so it wouldn’t be too surprising if they put two and two together then. Chileans and Peruvians have a tradition of eating smashed avocado on bread, too. The dish is called pan con palta, and it’s so common it’s almost laughable to think of it as a trendy food. In Chile, fresh bread called marraqueta is smeared with mashed avocado and served for breakfast, as a snack, or with tea, a culinary tradition likely dating to the late 1800s.
A Perfect Pair
Looking at the evolution of avocado toast, it seems like one thing is true. Once avocado and bread are in the same place at the same time, it becomes obvious they were meant to be together. It’s thanks to Instagram and social media buzz that the combo has become so popular today. Truth is, this snack’s at least a century old and likely many more. obvious they were meant to be together. It’s thanks to Instagram and social media buzz that the combo has become so popular today. Truth is, this snack’s at least a century old and likely many more.
California Avocado Toast – Recipe
Adapted by John Coletta
Yields 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 250g. Avocado; Ripe; Peeled; Halved; Pitted
- 20g. Shallots; Peeled; Finely Minced
- 5g. Mint; Fresh; Leaves Only; Fine Chopped
- 5g. Parsley; Italian Flat Leaf; Leaves Only; Fine Chopped
- 10ml. Oil; Avocado
- 10g. Salt; Sea; Fine Grind
- 2g. Pepper; Black; Tellicherry; Coarse Grind
- 4 Slices Bread; Whole Grain or Whole Wheat; 1.25 Centimeters Thick
- 1 Garlic; Fresh; Clove; Peeled; Cut in Half
- 30ml. Oil; Olive; Extra Virgin
- 5g. Parsley; Italian Flat Leaf; Leaves Only
- 5g. Radishes; French Breakfast; Shaved lengthwise; Paper Thin
- 1 Lemon; Fresh; Grated on a Microplane
- 5g. Salt; Sea; Flaky; Maldon
- 2g. Pepper; Black; Tellicherry; Coarse Grind
- 2g. Pepper; Red; Crushed
Instructions
- Mash the avocado with a stainless steel fork in a shallow bowl until chunky. Add the shallots, mint, and parsley and slowly drizzle the avocado oil. Mix until unified. Season with fine salt and black pepper.
- Toast the bread until browned and crisp. Lightly rub 1 side of each slice with the cut side of the garlic until fragrant; reserve the garlic for future usage. Lightly brush the toasts with oil, and season with fine salt and pepper.
- Divide the fork mashed avocado mixture evenly among the toasts, and top with Italian Parsley leaves and Shaved French Breakfast radishes. Evenly distribute the grated lemon rind, and season with flaky sea salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Arrange onto an appropriate serving vessel and serve immediately.
For more recipes, visit www.worldchefs.org/news.
Session 90 of the Dilmah School of Tea (SOT) marked a significant milestone in professional tea education, welcoming 189 participants from 48 countries. Designed to enhance the understanding of tea in the context of food, beverage and hospitality, the session combined technical knowledge with hands-on practical experience across four full days in Sri Lanka.
The programme began with culinary demonstrations showcasing tea’s versatility in gastronomy. Renowned chef Peter Kuruvita, cheese expert Betty Koster and award-winning mixologists Tomek Malek and Alberto Pizarro led segments that integrated tea into both sweet and savoury applications, as well as innovative non-alcoholic and low-ABV beverages.
Participants then engaged in classroom-based modules covering tea and wellness, tea’s health benefits, flavour pairings, and food service trends. Led by Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman of Dilmah Tea and supported by local and international experts, the sessions emphasised the role of tea in contemporary hospitality. Practical yet fun components included the design of personalised high tea presentations as well as tastings and sensory evaluations.
The visit included community engagement facilitated by the MJF Charitable Foundation, reinforcing Dilmah’s commitment to ethical and sustainable tea. A field visit to the Craighead Estate in Nawalapitiya offered direct exposure to the tea gardens and tea production, from handpicking to grading. The programme concluded in Colombo with visits to the Dilmah Tea Room and the factory & packaging facility. More than 5,000 cups of tea were brewed, but the value of Session 90 lay in the professional knowledge shared and the community of global culinary and mixology practitioners it helps to build.
To learn more about Dilmah School of Tea, visit https://www.dilmahtea.com/all-about-tea/school-of-tea.
July 2, 2025 – We are saddened today to learn of the passing of an old friend of Worldchefs and the greater culinary community globally, Chef Norbert Girnth. Chef Norbert has been involved in Worldchefs and spent many years coming to the Emirates Salon Culinaire since the inception back in 1993 and was an icon judge for the competition over the past 28 editions. This endeared him to fellow judges and competitors alike. Chef Norbert had worked in some of the most iconic kitchens around the world.
Chef Norbert is a member of the Verband der Koche Deutschland. He served his apprenticeship in a Michelin-Star restaurant in Germany and worked in Switzerland, France, Jersey, Channel Islands, and Morocco. He spent two years on the flagship of the Holland- America line: S/S Rotterdam.
Chef Norbert won more than 30 gold culinary medals during a distinguished career before retiring from active competition to take up judging. After some seminars about judging, he was a member of judging teams in Manila, Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai, Chicago, Iceland, Kuala Lumpur, Strasbourg, Basel, Gent, and Johannesburg. He was twice Host-chef for the national team of Australia during the cooking Olympics in Frankfurt and twice as a judge for the cooking Olympics in 1996 in Berlin and in 2000 in Erfurt.
Following two years studying at the Heidelberg Hotel – and Management school, he has, since 1970, been Chef-Patron at the restaurant that has been owned and operated by his family for the past two-hundred years.
Norbert’s smile and stories would captivate us all. To listen to the history of his culinary journey was inspirational.
To Norbert’s wife, Uschi, and his son – also a chef – Leif, we offer our sincerest condolences and thank them for sharing him with us over these many years. We are thankful to have met you both in friendship due to Norbert’s friendship to us all.
Rest in peace our friend.
Thoughts and prayers from from all chefs of the World Association of Chefs Societies.
Categories
Grape Leaves Dolma
See below for recipe
Traditional dolma is made with meat, rice, and a mixture of herbs rolled into grape leaves. There is also a variety of dolma made with a filling of nuts. Its name comes from the verb ‘doldurmaq’, meaning ‘to stuff’ in Azerbaijani. The ingredients vary from region to region and depending on the time of year. For example, in summertime, stuffed aubergines or tomatoes are also considered dolma dishes.
Grape Leaves Dolma – Recipe
Adapted by Orxan MUXTAROV
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef (or a combination)
- 1 medium onion, passed through a meat grinder or grated
- ½ cup medium-grain white rice, thoroughly rinsed (do not use long grain rice, such as Basmati!)
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh dill
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- About 100 small-size or 50 medium-size fresh grape leaves (or frozen grape leaves, or canned leaves (about ¾ of a 16-ounce can)
- 3 tablespoons clarified butter (ghee) or unsalted butter (add more if meat is lean), or olive oil
- Plain Yogurt or Garlicky yogurt sauce, to serve (recipe follows)
Instructions
- First, prepare the stuffing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the stuffing (add less salt if using briny canned leaves). Mix with your hand until well combined.
- If using fresh grape leaves, boil slightly salted water in a medium saucepan and blanch the leaves in small batches (about 10 at a time) in the boiling water for about a minute (less if the leaves are very tender). This will soften the leaves and make them easier to roll and faster to cook. Remove the leaves from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain in a colander. Cut off the stems.
- If using canned leaves, put batches of them in a colander, rinse well under cold water to remove the salt, and drain. If the canned leaves feel too thick, blanch them in boiling water for about a minute, then drain. Otherwise, do not blanch. Cut off the stems.
- Have a medium saucepan ready. If using medium-size mature leaves, cut them in half. Small, young leaves can remain whole.
- If there are any torn or damaged leaves, do not discard—use them to patch holes in other leaves as needed. Also, arrange some of the damaged leaves flat on the bottom of the saucepan. If you don’t have damaged leaves, line the bottom of the saucepan with unused whole leaves to cover.
- Now stuff the grape leaves. Hold a leaf (or half, if cut) shiny side down on the palm of your hand. Place about 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling at the stem end of the leaf. Fold the top down, then the sides over the filling and roll up tightly to shape it into a 1-inch round bundle. Arrange the stuffed leaves, seam side down, on the bottom of the pan. Continue until all the leaves and filling are used, arranging the stuffed bundles snugly together in the pan, making several layers.
- Dot the top with butter and pour in water to cover the dolma halfway. Place a small lid or a small ovenproof plate on top of the stuffed leaves to keep them tight and to prevent them from opening. Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the leaves are tender, the filling is cooked, and there is little liquid left (if the liquid is completely absorbed at some point during cooking, add more water and continue to simmer).
- Serve immediately with bread and plain yogurt or garlicky yogurt sauce to spoon onto the dolma to taste.
- Garlicky Yogurt Sauce: To make garlicky yogurt sauce, in a bowl, combine 1 cup or more plain yogurt with 2-4 cloves garlic, crushed with a garlic press.
For more recipes, visit www.worldchefs.org/news.
- At the 2025 Gourmand Awards during the Cascais World Food Summit, Worldchefs Magazine was named Best Food Magazine in the World.
- With 31 published magazine issues, Worldchefs Magazine continues to celebrate the unity, progress and passion driving the global culinary community forward.
Portugal, 21 June 2025 – Worldchefs Magazine, by World Association of Chefs Societies, was named Best Food Magazine in the World at the Gourmand Awards, during the Cascais World Food Summit, a prestigious event that took place from June 18-21 in Portugal.
The announcement was made on stage at the Estoril Congress Centre by Edouard Cointreau, President and Founder of the Gourmand Awards, who praised the work for its depth and cultural significance:
“Congratulations to Ragnar Fridriksson and the entire Worldchefs team on the release of Worldchefs Magazine Issue 30—a powerful celebration of the global culinary community’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and professional growth. This milestone edition, launched in the lead-up to the Worldchefs Congress 2024 in Singapore, beautifully captures the spirit of mentorship and inclusivity that is shaping the future of gastronomy. With its thoughtful stories and global perspectives, the magazine serves as a vital reference point for the collaborative energy that defines Worldchefs and its expansive international network.”
Founded in 1995, and with participation from over 200 countries, the Gourmand Awards are the only international competition dedicated to publications on food and drinks cultures. The competition is free and open to all languages. Each year, Gourmand organizes a global symposium in a location of notable gastronomic relevance, bringing together leading voices from the diplomacy, culinary, publishing, and cultural sectors.
Today, Worldchefs Magazine, with 31 published editions, continues to celebrate the unity and progress driving the global culinary community forward. It’s a tribute to the legacy of chefs past and present, and a snapshot of the many ways Worldchefs’ members are leading with purpose and passion. To read our latest edition, click here.
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About the Gourmand Awards
Beyond the accolades, the Gourmand Awards offer a platform for sharing culinary knowledge and fostering connections within food & tourism professionals. These awards not only spotlight outstanding cookbooks, culinary magazines, and food-related media from across the globe, but also underscore the importance of culinary storytelling and its impact on food culture worldwide.
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
World Chefs Without Borders, Worldchefs’ humanitarian arm, has successfully raised funds to go directly to supporting Myanmar relief efforts, providing aid and assistance since the devastating earthquakes last month.
- World Chefs Without Borders (WCWB), with the support of Worldchefs members, raised over €105,000 to support earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar.
- Chefs on the ground, led by the Myanmar Chefs Association, provided thousands of meals and distributed emergency supplies across the hardest-hit regions.
- Sustainable, locally-sourced emergency food solutions were developed to support long-term recovery and local economies.
Paris, 26 June 2025 – When a series of powerful earthquakes struck Myanmar at the end of March, the devastation was immediate and widespread. Homes were destroyed, communities displaced, and access to food, clean water, and medical care severely impacted. In the face of this crisis, Worldchefs and our humanitarian arm, World Chefs Without Borders (WCWB), responded without hesitation.
From the earliest moments of the disaster, our global chef community united to deliver support where it was needed most. Through coordinated fundraising efforts, generous donors, and on-the-ground action, we have collectively raised a total of €105,000 in aid – a testament to the power of culinary solidarity.
Chefs on the Frontlines: Providing Meals, Aid, and Hope
While funds were mobilized globally, members of our community were on the ground across Myanmar. The Myanmar Chefs Association (MCA), in close coordination with WCWB, has been actively leading relief operations in the earthquake’s hardest-hit regions.
MCA Secretary Ma Khet Khet and local WCWB chefs traveled to the epicenter in Sagaing, where they prepared and served thousands of meals to displaced families. Chefs stayed overnight in the region, ensuring continuous support and laying the groundwork for incoming humanitarian missions.
The next phase of aid brought food, medical supplies, clean drinking water, and shelter back through Nay Pyi Taw to Sagaing, Amarapura, Mandalay, Plate, and Inwa.
Key partners supporting the mission include Mr. Suki of Inya Lake Hotel, Moona and Renato of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, who helped organize the next wave of aid trucks and buses.
Thanks to international allies including South Korea, MCA was able to access a water purification system. Tents for displaced families were also made available. Aid continued to arrive including air cargo containing rice, tinned fish, and medical supplies.
The South African Chefs Association assisted in these efforts, collecting donations during their Lunch with a Cause event.
China Cuisine Association also made major contributions. In addition to on the ground work, they collected donations, raising approximately 43,000 euros to directly support relief efforts. Read more here.
Local, Sustainable, Impactful
Worldchefs’ members have also stepped in to address long-term health through emergency food. They developed a high-calorie, vegetarian curry designed for local rice, using ingredients sourced entirely from the earthquake-affected region. The result: nutritious, culturally appropriate meals with a minimal CO2 footprint, supporting, the people, the local economy and environmental sustainability.
“Thank you to all donors for Myanmar people – Thank you for all global aid support.”
– Chef Oliver, President of the Myanmar Chefs Association
Thank You to Our Donors
Echoing the words of Chef Oliver, we’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the generous donors who have supported relief efforts for Myanmar, including:
Chefs Association of Pakistan
Japan Chefs Association
China Cuisine Association
Penang Chefs Association
Taiwan Chefs Association
Chefs Association of Nepal
Cyprus Chefs Association
Icelandic Chefs Association
Emirates Culinary Guild
Syrian Culinary Guild
ACP Indonesia
Dipartimento Solidarieta Emergenze
South African Chefs Association
Singapore Chefs Association
& many more!
The impact of your support is real, visible, and ongoing. From meals served to lives sheltered, every donation has made a difference.
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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