Australia’s top young chefs to represent nation at 2024 Culinary Olympics
Nestlé Professional supports National Culinary Youth Team’s journey to Germany
Australia’s leading young chefs are set to compete at the 2024 IKA/Culinary Olympics this coming February. Held every four years in Germany, the games are the oldest, largest, and most diverse international culinary arts competition in the world.
Eight of the nation’s top young chefs will head to Stuttgart to face off against more than 1,800 talented professionals from 67 countries, backed by the support of Nestlé Professional, one of the principal sponsors of the Australian Culinary Federation (ACF) who manage and train the team.
Nestlé Professional Communications & Sustainability Manager, Karlie Durrant said: “For nearly 60 years, Nestlé Professional has been committed to furthering the careers of the next generation of chefs through the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award, and the sponsorship of Australia’s National Youth Team on their journey to the Culinary Olympics.
“These games are a unique opportunity for Australia’s best and brightest to compete on an international platform and showcase their culinary expertise,” said Karlie Durrant.
Chefs must be under the age of 25 to compete in the games. Australia’s National Culinary Youth Team comprises of seasoned talent who have participated in the prestigious Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award, and excelled at state, national and international level.
Young culinary stars years in the making
Currently ranked seventh in the world, the Australian team will participate in a two-part contest. The first will require the chefs to prepare and present a three-course menu for over 70 guests. The second will be a junior chef’s table, requiring the team to prepare a five-course menu for guests sitting at the end of their kitchen booth.
The Australian National Culinary Youth group, mentored by team manager, Patrick O’Brien, has been diligently training the squad throughout the past three years.
“Competing in the Culinary Olympics is both an honour and an opportunity for our young chefs to represent their country. The dedication and hard work of our squad to perfect their plates has been incredible, and it’s wonderful to see the team grow and learn as they take the next step in their careers,” said Patrick O’Brien.
“Nestlé Professional has been a huge support to the team. Competitions, such as the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award, have been invaluable in selecting the high calibre of chefs needed to excel on the global stage. This talented team is undoubtedly set to reshape the future of Australia’s foodservice industry.”
Youth Team captain, Amber Heaton, said: “The IKA/Culinary Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for up-and-coming chefs, like me, to connect with like-minded people from different countries to share our passion for food, and make lifelong friendships.”
“We’re extremely proud to compete for Australia in these games. The generous support of sponsors like Nestlé Professional is so important to help our group to travel, compete on an international level, and showcase our skills to the world,” said Amber Heaton.
If you would like to support Australia’s National Culinary Youth Team’s road to the IKA/Culinary Olympics in Germany, donate to the ACF Culinary Teams here.
For more information about the IKA/Culinary Olympics, visit www.olympiade-der-koeche.com/en/.
Nestlé Professional, 14th December 2023
