12th Nov 2010 - 00:00
Abstract
A staggering £17,490 was raised for the Bocuse d'Or's Team UK at the informal dinner held last night prior to today's CESA conference at the Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport, South Wales.
An auction of prizes hosted by the Academy of Culinary Arts (ACA) president Brian Turner brought in these much needed funds to assist Team UK in the final of the Bocuse d'Or culinary challenge in January, when British candidate Simon Hulstone will be up against the best chefs from 23 other countries.
Andrew Jones, managing director of Electrolux Professional and a member of the CESA marketing committee that organised the fundraiser, said: "The auction prizes helped us raise £17,490, which is a fantastic result and way above our expectations. On behalf of the Bocuse d'Or candidate and Team UK I'd like to pass on our sincere thanks to everyone involved.
"This money together with donated funds will now allow us to have a secure future and be able to support not just Simon Hulstone in the final in 2011 but to be on a secure footing for the next candidate, which is essential if we are to continue to push for higher results."
Bocuse d'Or is one of the most sought after prizes for chefs around the globe. Founded by culinary legend Paul Bocuse, the contest has taken place in Lyon in France every two years since 1987. The ACA manages the UK Bocuse d'Or representation and Turner is the UK juror.
For more information about the Bocuse d'Or, visit www.bocusedoruk.co.uk