Despite disruption on numerous fronts - covid, extreme weather, strikes, supply issues, rising energy process, staff shortages and cost of living crisis - our industry has once again proved its incredible resilience and has so much to be proud of.   

Extraordinary culinary competitions and awards

There’s too many to mention, but the Craft Guild of Chefs’ was involved in a fantastic array of competitions in 2022, some of the major events included:

• British Turkey & Duck Competition, February
• HRC Chef Team of the Year, March
• Country Range Student Chef Challenge, March
• Major Culinary Challenge Competition, March
• Craft Guild of Chefs member awards, April
• Our own Craft Guild of Chefs Industry Awards, June
• 20th anniversary of The Graduate Awards, September
• 50th anniversary of National Chef of the Year, October
• British Student Culinary Competition, November
• World Skills, November
• Culinary World Cup, Luxembourg – where the Craft Guild of Chefs Culinary Team won 2 Silver Medals and a Diploma of Honour in December

Wellbeing, mental health, and inclusion

Our new wellbeing committee, under the stewardship of Andy Aston has worked hard to support members and the wider chef community by hosting several new wellbeing events and creating welfare videos.

We supported International Chefs Day, and vice chair Mark Reynolds, a mental health first aider, spoke to the BBC about inclusivity and how to accommodate disabilities in kitchens, read the full article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/6f7a9121-d513-4e93-b76e-c546dd0ca751

College Accreditation, Training and Career Series

The new Craft Guild of Chefs College Accreditation scheme has gone from strength to strength, and we’re delighted to welcome so many additional colleges who have achieved the standard required.

We continue to spotlight different career paths with our ‘Chef Career Series’ and in December we announced a new partnership with Indeed Flex Recruitment to provide free access to flexible hospitality jobs through our app. Download the app here:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fourthwallvirtual.CGoC

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/lb/app/cgoc/id1500596963

Cook for Ukraine

Partnering with UK Curry Connect, we would like to thank everyone who helped support this vital campaign and help to raise more than £6000 for Ukraine.

Member and supplier partnerships

And finally, we couldn’t do it without you. A warm thank you for all the incredible support and partnerships in 2022 and beyond. From judging expertise, to mentoring trips, to ‘insta takeovers’ we appreciate your continuing support. 

From all at the Craft Guild of Chefs, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Andrew Green, CEO

The Craft Guild of Chefs news will return from the Christmas break on Tuesday 4th January 2023.