Culinary stars take to the stage for HRC Day Two
![Culinary stars take to the stage for HRC Day Two](https://cdn.asp.events/CLIENT_Montgome_B1B4C8FA_E3BA_05DA_18BFD74DA8885CDB/sites/hrc-2025/media/libraries/news/1679397591944-01.jpeg)
Day two of HRC started in style with a keynote session from HRC Chef Ambassador Monica Galetti, in conversation with Food FM's Simon Alexander on the Vision Stage, in partnership with HRC. Galetti discussed tackling staffing challenges, how tech has transformed the professional kitchen, paving the way for the next generation of chefs and much more.
This was followed by a packed session on how low & no is hospitality's untapped money maker, featuring Laura Willoughby of ClubSoda, KAM's Blake Gladman, Mark Livings of Lyre's Non-Alcoholic and Emma Heal of Lucky Saint.
Charles Banks of thefoodpeople and Kelly Dowson of FIS Group took to the stage for their ever-popular run down of future food trends, and a panel including industry expert Ann Elliot, Claire Smith of ABDA Design, Sam Edwards of Fifty Five Hospitality and Karen Fewell of Digital Blonde discussed the psychology of design.
Darren Poulton, Executive Chef Development UK & IRE at GateGroup commented: "It's great to have culinary shows back with such large numbers of traders and clients returning with an amazing vibe. The live panels had some great topics and its always great to see the live Salon Culinaire competition."
Chef HQ, curated by Chef Publishing, saw a chef demo by Tom Phillips of Restaurant Story and Andreas Antona, chair of the Bocuse d'Or, Paul Ainsworth and Next Level Chef winner Jade Greenhalgh (pictured below), Tom Brown, Kim Ratchoroen of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
Matthew White, Director of Campus Commerce, Head of Function & Chair of Public Sector Catering Alliance, commented: "I blown away by the number of exhibitors. It was great to see so much talent being exhibited in Salon and demonstration areas along with the great panel discussions and plenaries. I met so many colleagues, industry friends and partners as I moved between the distinct exhibition areas. A great day and fabulous to see the industry coming together in such force!"