Nestlé Lanka handing over the cheque as Diamond Sponsor, to the Chefs Guild of Lanka for Culinary Art 2017. From left to right - Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe, President – Chefs Guild of Lanka; Roshan Perera, AVP – Nestlé Professional; Chef Gerard Mendis, Chairman – Chefs Guild of Lanka; Shivani Hegde, Managing Director – Nestlé Lanka; Hon. John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs; Chef Madhawa Weerabaddana, Chairman – Culinary Art 2017 Organizing Committee and Chef Sunil Edirisinghe, Board Member – Chefs Guild of Lanka
Takes lead to partner Culinary Art Food Expo 2017 as Diamond Sponsor
Nestlé Professional, Nestlé’s out-of-home food and beverage solutions provider, has joined hands with the Chefs Guild of Lanka to become Diamond Sponsor for Culinary Art Food Expo 2017. The partnership marks Nestlé Professional’s strong long-standing commitment to help develop local culinary professionals.
Thousands of Sri Lankan Chefs participate in Culinary Art Food Expo, which is organised by the Chefs Guild of Lanka every other year. The Chefs compete across a range of categories including Nescafé Creative Coffee, Live Desserts, Hot Cooking, Plated Appetizers, Contemporary Sri Lankan Cuisine, Wedding Cake Structures and Artistic Chocolate Showpieces. They are judged and awarded by an elite panel of Chefs from WACS (World Association of Chefs Societies), who fly in to the event from all over the world. Culinary Art Food Expo has not just become an internationally modelled forum to showcase and promote the best of local culinary talent, but also one that uncovers the hottest trends in food and beverage, the latest product launches and the industry’s vision for the future.
Said Shivani Hegde, Managing Director at Nestlé Lanka: “We pride ourselves on a long-standing relationship with the Chefs Guild of Lanka. We have worked together over the years to uplift the local culinary industry, supporting local teams at global events such as the World Culinary Olympics, and creating local opportunities to develop talent. This year, I am proud to say that we have strengthened our association with Culinary Art, an ideal platform for Chefs to showcase their talent and skills, and learn from world renowned culinary judges. Partnering events such as these, upholds our commitment to enhance lives and support the industry in it’s growth and development.”
The organizing committee of Culinary Art 2017 with the sponsors
Nestlé Professional has placed a strong focus on developing and recognising talent in the local Chef community since its inception in 2008. Its many initiatives include live competitions like ‘New Sri Lankan Cuisine with Maggi’ and ‘Nescafé Creative Coffee’; and holding felicitation events for culinary professionals with ‘Nestlé Professional Signature Night’. It also launched Nutripro, a nutrition awareness programme to help Chefs make balanced meals that are both delicious and healthy.
Said Roshan Perera, Assistant Vice President - Nestlé Professional: “With tourism on the rise, forums such as ‘Culinary Art’ are the need of the hour. A memorable gastronomic experience is a huge part of the overall tourist experience today. By supporting events such as this, we are continuing to develop local culinary professionals and help them meet new trends. With the right kind of support and opportunities, we believe our culinary professionals can play a vital role in developing Sri Lanka’s economy.”
Said Chef Gerard Mendis, Chairman - Chefs Guild of Lanka: “The growth and development of Chefs is key to securing the future of the industry. We’re thankful to Nestlé for their strong and constant support in helping us equip Chefs with the enhanced culinary skills and industry knowledge they need to excel in their profession, as well as for the opportunities to participate in international competitions.“
Nestlé Professional is Sri Lanka’s leading food and beverage solutions provider for the out-of-home industry, including hotels, restaurants, fast-food establishments, cafés, hospitals and schools. It uses Nestlé’s global expertise to innovate new products and tailor-make food and beverage solutions for its customers - such as Maggi coconut milk powder, Maggi stock powder and curry mixes; Nespray milk powder; Milkmaid condensed milk; Nestlé Docello Desserts; and easy to make beverages like Nescafé, Nestea and Nestlé Sjora, a delicious flavour fusion combining mango, peach and milk. With its ambition to inspire its partners’ growth with creative and profitable solutions, it helps in “Making More Possible” for its customers every day.
