EJC, which is sponsored by Ecolog, had several competition categories including live, front of house, buffet, display and field. It is renowned in the industry for generating a vibrant and exciting energy that ‘inspired’ visitors and exhibitors alike.
EJC class statistics:
- 18 live classes with 134 competitors in total, chefs and front of house/stewards
- four buffet classes - three mini buffet entries, one from each service; 18 other competitors in addition
- Six display classes with 27 competitors
- Field Challenge - three teams of three, one from each service
- Parade de Chefs - three teams of eight, one from each service
The competition attracts hundreds of chefs from across the forces (Army, Air Force and Royal Navy) many of whom were competing and supporting their colleagues. Exercise Joint Caterer showcases the skills of chefs at the highest level, demonstrating the role military caterers play in the delivery of an effective armed force.
Chairman of Judges Shaun Collins-Lindsay said: "This year’s Exercise Joint Caterer 2025 Competition has seen some changes with a new class Parade de Chefs being introduce into the field and classes both back and front of house running simultaneously.
“Again, another year with some exceptional dishes being produced across all the areas of the competition. It goes without saying this competition wouldn’t go ahead without the support of the judges who give up their free time of which I am very thankful and the support of three MCS ensuring there are no issues in the field.
“It goes without saying that what makes this competition is the competitors and supporters. This competition has been supported superbly by the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Airforce, culminating with the Royal Airforce winning the Inter Services Exercise Joint Caterer Award 2025.”
The overall winner of each class gained one point for their service and the RAF had the most points overall so they were crowned the Inter-Service Champions. This is the RAF’s second consecutive win having claimed the title at the previous EJC event in 2023.
Alongside the EJC, The Public Sector Catering Expo brought together chefs and caterers from across all areas of the public sector including schools, universities, hospitals, care homes, prisons, the Armed Forces and catering colleges.
It featured a keynote speech from Gareth Wyn Jones as well as a cooking demonstration from Hairy Biker Si King. The organisers of the event also created a timeline featuring key events about the industry from the past 125 years.