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7th October 2024

Sodexo UK & Ireland chef advances to Cook for Change! global final

Written by: Edward Waddell
Global services company Sodexo has revealed that Adam Collison, head chef at Alderley Park, will represent the UK and Ireland at the 2024 Global Sustainable Chef Challenge.

Now in its third year, the Sustainable Chef Challenge is a global competition designed to ‘inspire’ chefs to create tasty dishes that have low carbon emissions. The competition not only highlights the culinary community’s creativity but also reinforces Sodexo’s commitment to sustainability through low-carbon cooking. 

Collison brings a wealth of experience to the table having been crowned Sodexo UK & Ireland Chef of the Year in 2018 and he was named winner of the Meat Free Dish of the Year at the 2021 StrEAT Food Awards. His signature dish ‘The Whole Cauliflower’ highlights locally sourced ingredients and exemplifies sustainable cooking practices. 

In November, Collison will represent Sodexo UK & Ireland at the Cook for Change! live final in Paris, hosted at the renowned Lenôtre Culinary Arts School. He will compete against colleagues from around the world.

During the final, chefs will follow key principles such as creating tasty plant-based dishes to limit meat consumption, using sustainable ingredients paired with energy-efficient cooking methods to reduce the carbon footprint as well as minimising water and energy consumption while providing healthy, nutrient-rich food.

Lynsey O'Keefe, chief executive of corporate services and energy & resources at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Adam’s selection as a Cook for Change! finalist in the Global Sustainable Chef Challenge is a testament to his exceptional talent and commitment to sustainability.

“The challenge reflects Sodexo’s vision of creating sustainable, delicious, and low-carbon meals, while also supporting our clients’ sustainability goals. We wish Adam the best of luck as he represents the UK & Ireland on the global culinary stage.” 

At the competition in 2023 Sodexo UK & Ireland’s Sharon McConnell, a chef from Northern Ireland, was one of the two joint winners.