A total of R110 000 is up for grabs in the RCL Foods Young Chefs and Young Bakers competitions – two competitions that are set to cause a stir among the most talented rising stars in the South African culinary industry. The competitions are brought to the industry in a proud partnership with SA Chefs and the SA Bakers Association.
Building on the success of last year’s RCL Foods Young Chef Competition, this year sees the launch of the Young Baker Competition.
The total prize pool makes these two competitions among the biggest to be held in the culinary industry this year, with the top baker walking away with R20 000 and the two winning team members in the Young Chef category winning R15 000 each.
Chef Brad Kavanagh, head chef of RCL Foods, says providing an opportunity to compete fulfils a significant need in the industry, and the culinary community has been eagerly anticipating the return of the competition in 2022. “By providing a platform for both young chefs and bakers to showcase their talent we are creating a positive, sustainable impact.”
The RCL Foods Young Chef Competition is aimed at culinary students between 18 and 27 years old competing in teams of two for a first prize of R30 000, second prize of R20 000 and third prize of R15 000. The two participants in each team must be enrolled at the same professional institution or in-service programme focusing on Culinary Arts or Professional Cookery.
The RCL Foods Young Bakers Competition is open to individuals who bake breads or baked confectionery as a source of income or are enrolled with a professional institution or an in-service programme focusing on Culinary Arts or a Professional Cookery.
The young bakers will be competing for the top prize of R20 000, second prize R15 000 and third prize R10 000.
With regional competitions taking place in Gauteng, KZN, the Western Cape, Limpopo and Free State, the competition is aimed at kickstarting the careers of the most talented and skilled participants from all over the country.
How to enter
Entry into both competitions could not be easier – simply fill in the registration form and submit a portfolio of evidence relevant to the competition category. Judges will look for innovative use of stipulated ingredients, portion obedience, textures, balance and colour, perceived taste, appearance and creativity of the dish. The closing date for entries is 31 July 2022. To enter, go to https://rclfoods.com/brand/food-partners/, fill in the online entry form and submit your portfolio of evidence.
