Empact Group’s recent Gourmet Fest event showcased the vibrant synergy of skill, innovation, and empowerment within South Africa’s foodservice industry, leaving attendees inspired by the creativity and dedication on display.
The Red Roman Shed at Emperor’s Palace played host to an extraordinary celebration of culinary excellence as Food by Empact, a division of Empact Group, hosted its annual supplier day and national chefs’ competition, Gourmet Fest. The event showcased both emerging talent and established expertise in South Africa’s vibrant foodservice industry. A thrilling chefs’ competition, the centrepiece of the Gourmet Fest, saw eight talented Food by Empact chefs vying for the title of 2024 Chef of the Year.
Putting Culinary Talent and Skills Development Centre Stage
The highlight of the day was the intense national chef’s competition, where after months of elimination rounds, eight talented chefs competed for the coveted title of Chef of the Year. Lazarus Shirinda from Gauteng emerged victorious, crafting an exceptional three-course menu that included a sophisticated prawn and smoked salmon mosaic and a perfectly seared beef fillet. His winning menu impressed the judges with its bold flavours and exquisite presentation. Having joined Food by Empact only in March 2024 as Executive Chef at Avbob, Irene Link, Shirinda’s victory demonstrates the company’s ability to attract and nurture top culinary talent.
Second place was awarded to Gaddafi Cezula from East London, whose creative deconstructed beef Wellington captured the essence of the competition’s theme, while Chesrae van Wyk from Port Elizabeth earned third place with his reinterpretation of classic South African flavours, including a distinctive bobotie quiche.
For the final cookoff contest, the chefs were required to develop and submit a menu that they would cook on the day. To test the true resilience and creativity of each finalist, on the day each chef was required to prepare a new dessert and not the one they had submitted. All the Chefs had three hours to prepare, cook, plate and present their dishes to the judges.
As the 2024 winner, Lazarus went home with a R20 000 winner’s cheque while Gaddafi and Chesrae won R15 000 and R10 000 respectively.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
The competition’s focus on sustainability, innovation, creativity and South African-inspired cuisine resonated deeply with attendees, reaffirming Empact Group’s mission to uplift and empower through purpose-driven initiatives within the business such as growth and food waste reduction.
Beyond the competition, the Gourmet Fest spotlighted Food by Empact’s commitment to skills development and youth empowerment. Speaking at the event, Empact Group CEO Alan Quinn stated: “Our chefs are the heart and soul of our kitchens. Their passion and creativity elevate the foodservice industry. This year’s event was a testament to their exceptional talent and our commitment to nurturing future culinary leaders.”
The day-long event culminated in a celebration of excellence judged by a panel who praised the competitors’ creativity and technical mastery. The competition’s judging panel included Andre Bezuidenhout (Emperors Palace Complex Chef), Shaun Potgieter (FoodServ Solutions Culinary Manager), Vishay Sarjoo (FoodServ Solutions Key Accounts Manager and Chef), and Jocelyn Myers-Adams (Food Jams Owner). Their expertise ensured the highest standards were maintained throughout the competition.
Celebrating Aspiring Culinary Talent
The Gourmet Fest was not only a platform for seasoned professionals but also a launchpad for South Africa’s rising culinary stars. The spotlight shone brightly on 18 second-year NDS culinary students, who participated in their final practical exams by preparing an exquisite high tea. These aspiring chefs showcased their creativity, designing menus and décor while experiencing the high-pressure environment of a professional kitchen alongside their mentors. This hands-on experience offered them invaluable insights into the culinary world, bridging the gap between classroom learning and the real-world demands of the foodservice industry.
Executive Chefs Steal the Show
Adding to the day’s excitement, Gauteng’s Executive Chefs delivered a remarkable showcase of teamwork and expertise. Paired with chefs from different sites to foster collaboration, the group displayed their mastery of culinary artistry to an appreciative audience of clients. The stellar lineup included chefs wowed with their diverse culinary styles and innovative presentations. The showcase not only highlighted the exceptional talent within the Food by Empact division but also strengthened professional networks, underscoring the event’s spirit of growth, connection, and excellence.
Showcasing Suppliers and Growing Small Businesses
As a 100% South African-owned company, Empact Group’s commitment to skills development and community upliftment is evident in initiatives like the Gourmet Fest. The event not only celebrates culinary excellence but also provides a platform for showcasing the company’s “Do right by you” ethos, which extends to staff, clients, and suppliers alike.
The event also provided a unique platform for 17 suppliers to showcase their products, with particular emphasis on three small businesses nurtured through Empact’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme:
- Last Drop Juice from Soweto
- McMore International Muffins from Kew
- Browns American Corn Dogs from Kya Sands
These businesses epitomise the transformative potential of corporate mentorship, paving the way for SMMEs to thrive within South Africa’s competitive foodservice landscape.
“Food by Empact’s 2024 Gourmet Fest was an immense success because of a group of people whose contribution and commitment to our partnership underpins the service excellence we strive for,” said Alan Quinn, CEO of Empact Group. “Most notably, our suppliers are among these people, and we extend special thanks to them for the innovation they consistently deliver.”
The 2024 Gourmet Fest and National Chefs Competition exemplify Empact Group’s dedication to nurturing talent and inspiring growth within South Africa’s foodservice industry, while simultaneously creating opportunities for small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs.
Get in touch to find out more about how Empact Group can do right by you. For more information about Empact Group’s service offering send an email to info@empactgroup.co.za, call 011 209 2400 or visit www.empactgroup.co.za
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