Launched in 2013, Chef Appreciation Week brings together the global food and hospitality industries to recognise the ‘amazing’ jobs that chefs and culinary teams do every single day. The theme of this year’s campaign was ‘Great People Inspire Great Food’.
Robin Mills, managing director of Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented: “It’s that important time of year when we have the opportunity to celebrate our talented chefs and their teams for their dedication, creativity and passion to nourish and connect us, through thoughtfully prepared, fabulous food, meal after meal.
“They work hard and together with their teams, create the rhythm necessary for successful kitchens that are the engine rooms at the very heart of our business. I would like to take this opportunity to say a personal thank you.”
Compass UK & Ireland has over 4,000 chefs working across its sites and to celebrate they have been encouraged to create ‘Chef Shares’, giving timesaving tips and tricks as well as shouting about their secret ingredients or favourite kitchen gadget.
Fern Mansfield, a head chef within Levy UK+I, suggested that soy sauce is her secret ingredient and explained that she loves to pack her dishes full of vegetables. Leanne Turk, development chef for Chartwells Independent, said every kitchen should have a sharpie pen, to help with handovers, labels and writing inspiring messages to colleagues.
Gemma Evans-Hurley, culinary lead of projects at Compass Group UK&I and chair of Women in Food, added: “I love being a chef and I love working with other talented chefs, especially across Compass.
“This week has been an opportunity to celebrate the unique skills and work ethic that our chefs possess, through passion and commitment. I am proud of them all and it’s been a great week to reflect and enjoy the recognition.”