Compass chefs awarded 26 medals at the Culinary Olympics

Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK’s largest food and support services firm, is celebrating its culinary talent after they won an impressive 26 medals at the IKA/Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany - representing teams for Compass, Craft Guild of Chefs and England’s National Team. 

The event is a pioneering celebration of international gastronomy and demonstrates the commitment of food professionals to culinary excellence. The IKA/Culinary Olympics is the oldest, largest and most diverse international culinary arts competition in the world.

16 Compass chefs travelled to Germany to compete, with the Compass Group UK & Ireland team comprising of 11 talented chefs, four support chefs including Jess Miller, Compass’ 2023 Apprentice Chef of the Year competition winner, and two team coaches. Collectively they brought home a Gold, 18 Silvers and 7 Bronze awards. The Compass team claimed 17 medals, from across the community catering and the UK regional team table.

Nick Vadis, Culinary Director at Compass Group UK & Ireland and Team Coach said: “I am extremely proud of all our chefs who either supported, or competed, in the Culinary Olympics. To have such fantastic representation across the different categories on the world stage is a credit to our business. The dedication and time they spend honing their skills is evident in the medal haul - they are all true ambassadors for their craft. A huge well done to everyone that took part.”

Adam Thomason, Restaurant Associates, Culinary Director and England Team Captain said: "I am incredibly proud of our team's hard work, passion, and dedication. Winning so many medals as a team at the Culinary Olympics is a testament to their exceptional skill and commitment to culinary excellence. Congratulations to all!"

Nicola Harper, Group Executive Chef within ESS (Wales and West Midlands) won gold as part of the Craft Guild of Chefs UK team for Individual Culinary Arts. She said: “Winning my first Gold at such a high-level international competition is amazing - I am still over the moon and can’t wait to see what the future holds with these inspirational chefs. It was such an honour to represent the craft, Compass and Craft Guild of Chefs.”

Team coaches:

Nick Vadis and Graham Singer

Compass UK team:

David Auchie, Barry Flemming, James Larkins, Dennis Mwakulua, Nathan Clark, Kevin Rocks, Gemma Evans-Hurley, Gordon McKenzie, Dougal McPherson, David Bryant, Chris Macleod.

Support team:

Jess Miller, Edward Perret, Nayeli Clemente, Alcazar Emilie Wood

National team:

Adam Thomason, Stacey Harris, Tina Severn and Gary Wolfe.

Craft Guild of Chefs Team:

Nicola Harper