TAKING ON THE WORLD

Essential Cuisine is pouring all its effort into becoming a solid shoulder of support for budding chefs by sponsoring the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Culinary Academy at the 22nd IKA Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany, from October 19-22.

Backing UK chefs keen to develop competition skills is part of Essential Cuisine’s mission to help curb the burgeoning skills shortage in an industry which employs more than two million people.

The international four day competition featuring the world's best chefs and pastry experts takes place every four years and is considered the most important event in its field.

The Olympics kick off with a Parade of Nations on October 19th, before chefs from 28 countries go head to head over the three days, with daily award ceremonies.

Nigel Crane said: “The Olympics gives the Academy team the chance to exhibit works of art and receive an insight into their foreign colleagues’ methods and ideas. It’s about expertise and know-how in culinary arts, which need to be encouraged if the UK is to be a frontrunner in global cuisine.

“By competing, the team has the opportunity to learn what ‘cooking without borders’ really means, outside TV shows with their kitchen stars and starlets.”

The Culinary Academy, launched at Hotelympia 2008, aims to give seasoned competitors or those new to the competition scene the key to the world of culinary competitions and a web based Q&A service for members.

Academy leader Andy Twells said: “The Academy hopes to be recognised industry-wide as a centre for competitive excellence and, through our sponsors’ backing, we have the ability to prove what we can do at one of the most prestigious competitions in the world.”

The Culinary Academy Olympics team is also sponsored by Brakes, Gourmet Classic and Electrolux Professional.

08/08/2008|