Bangkok--27 May--Chomchaviwan
Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, in collaboration with Thai Chefs Association, officially launched the 5th edition of Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2016 (TUCC), endorsed by World Association of Chef's Society (WACS). Breaking the record with more than 1,000 entries, the annual competition has become one of the largest chef competitions in Thailand, in term of entries and scale of competition facilities. Top chefs, both professional and youth entries will be competing at THAIFEX – WORLD OF FOOD ASIA from 25 – 29 May, 2016 at IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand.
Mr. Michael Dreyer, Vice President– Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, revealed that "We are delighted to see an exponential growth in the number of participants every year, and this year, the total number of participants has crossed the 1,000 entries mark from 11 countries vying to be crowned in different categories. The statistics shows our physical growth, but the profile of the participants reflects the quality of TUCC as a signature part of THAIFEX-World of Food Asia, recognized both on the national and international level. The competition, in itself, is an endorsement of the chefs' culinary skills as well as his knowledge of gastronomy.
A heavyweight for the competition, Mr. Rick Stephen, WACS Continental Director together with 29 international professional judges sets the world-class benchmark for culinary competitions in Thailand and expects to be the next culinary frontier.
Chef Willment Leong, Organizing Chairman of the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge, added "TUCC 2016 is more challenging that the past year. This edition aims at forging ties beyond the kitchen on the details to food preparation and display, to the quality of ingredients and of course, the critique from famed judges. This important platform tests every aspect of the chefs, across varied cultures and continental, as well as their adaptability to localized theme. This year, it is categorized into 22 classes, with the highlight on "Mekong Culinary Challenge", where contestants will be asked to use any fresh-water edible produce protein from the Mekong River. This challenge will focus on the creativity of professional and junior chefs alike. It allows the chefs to reinvent traditional recipes and to compete on an internationally engaging platform."
Professionalism winners of each category will receive a trophy and a total of reward prizes worth over 200,000 Baht. In addition, there will be 4 other special Awards --Best Establishment Award: for Team Participant Establishment who received the highest point, Best Ultimate Professional Chef Award: for Individual Professional Participant getting the highest point, Best Ultimate Junior Chef Award: for Individual Junior Participant who gained the highest point, and Best Ultimate Pastry & Bakery Chef Award: for Individual Professional Pastry & Bakery Chef who get highest scores from Pastry & Bakery display challenge.
Koelnmesse Pte Ltd and Thai Chefs Association (TCA) led by Chef Somsak Rarongkham, TCA President will be signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the 6th edition of Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge, to be held in 2017 ."We strive to exceed the expectation of our participants and organizers year after year. This annual competition has given Thai chefs an opportunity to hone their culinary skills against local and international competitors. This experience has not only given our chefs an excellent exposure to display their skills, but also to learn and exchange their culinary knowledge with other contestants. The participants enable to demonstrate their creativity in the food industry that can add value to their professional career in the future" Chef Somsak concluded.