Organised by the Peru Trade and Investment Office, the competition, now in its second year, requires entrants to develop their own original menus using a different superfood in each course, for which they are “encouraged to research inspiration to help them understand Peruvian flavours.” Entries must be submitted by 2 March via http://www.perutradeuk.com/chefperu.

With popularity of the cuisine strongly on the rise – no least reflected in the growing number of restaurants such as Ceviche and Lima (both in London) - director of the Peru Trade and Investment Office, Jaime Cardenas, said: “The competition will educate tomorrow’s top chefs about Peruvian ingredients, and cooking with the aim of providing inspiration for their menus and increasing demand for Peruvian products into the future.

“We want to include the next generation of UK chefs in the excitement about Peruvian cuisine and teach them about the many fantastic ingredients and flavours that come out of Peru.”

Entry packs, posters and superfood information sheets are now available to students, while head chefs at London restaurants Lima (Robert Ortiz) and Senor Ceviche (Mark Morrans) are running a series of student demonstrations on Peruvian ingredients and dishes in catering colleges across the UK.

As well as taking home the title of Superfoods Peru Young Chef of the Year 2018, the winner will win a trip to Peru to join chef Virgilio Martinez at his restaurant Central (fifth on San Pelligrino’s ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list 2017). The runners up will also be offered placements in Peruvian restaurants Lima and Senor Ceviche.

For more information or to apply, visit http://www.perutradeuk.com/chefperu by 2 March.