International Salon Culinaire 2025, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, is set to be one of the most hotly contested editions of the prestigious chef competition yet, with a record-breaking thousand entries to take part in this year’s event.  

Taking place on 17-19 March at Excel London, Salon Culinaire will feature over 100 live and static competitions, offering chefs a unique platform to showcase their skills, creativity, and culinary innovation. 

Since its inception in 1902, International Salon Culinaire has been a cornerstone of the UK hospitality industry, bringing together chefs of all levels to compete in front of an esteemed panel of judges. The competition is once again supported by Compass Group UK & Ireland as headline partner, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting chefs and driving innovation in the sector. 

Andrew Pantelli, Project Director for Salon Culinaire, comments: “To see more than a thousand entries to this year’s competition is a testament to the passion and dedication that drives our industry. The competition continues to grow, and it’s inspiring to witness chefs pushing their boundaries, testing their skills, and gaining invaluable experience on this platform. 

“The support we receive from across the industry – from our headline partner Compass Group UK & Ireland, to our category sponsors, suppliers, competitors and. of course, our expert panel of judges – is instrumental in making Salon Culinaire the success it is today. We can’t wait to see the incredible talent that this year’s competitors will bring to the table.” 

Among the highly anticipated categories for 2025 is the return of the Association of Pastry Chefs’ Dessert of the Year competition, as well as the Oatly Plant-Based Culinary Challenge and the Tilda Chef Team of the Year. With new challenges including the Bresc Duck Culinary Showdown and a competition celebrating Australian wagyu beef in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia, this year’s edition promises to be one of the most exciting yet. 

Salon Director Steve Munkley comments: "I feel heart-warmed by the entry levels to Salon Culinaire 2025, we have had over a thousand entries registered and had to close many of the live competitions early. It is a great sign that the industry is back and chefs throughout the sectors are entering the largest cookery competition in the country. Every feature is oversubscribed but I must call out the Skills Theatre where we will be showcasing the talent of over 400 students during the three days. The future of our industry is bright." 

International Salon Culinaire takes place on 17-19 March 2025 at Excel London alongside IFE Manufacturing, IFE, The Pub Show, and HRC as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. To register for your complimentary trade ticket to this year’s event, visit fooddrinkandhospitalityweek.co.uk.