Creed Foodservice has announced the return of its annual Care Chef of the Year Competition for 2025, an initiative designed to recognise the creativity, skill, and compassion of chefs working in the care sector. Now in its third year, this competition offers a unique opportunity for chefs to showcase their talent, enhance their professional profile, and gain recognition for the critical role they play in enriching residents’ lives through food.
Why This Competition Matters
Why This Competition MattersIn care home settings, food is far more than a nutritional necessity; it’s a cornerstone of daily life. Mealtimes provide structure, stimulate the senses, and foster social interaction. The chefs behind these meals balance complex dietary needs, tight budgets, and regulatory requirements, yet consistently deliver meals that uplift and engage residents.
This competition aims to highlight the invaluable contributions of care chefs. As Andy Williams, National Sales Manager at Creed Foodservice, explains, “Our goal is to celebrate the exceptional talent within the care sector and give these chefs the recognition they truly deserve.”
The 2025 Challenge: A Themed Day in Care
This year’s competition centres around the concept of “A Themed Day in Care.” Chefs are invited to submit a two-course menu based on a chosen theme, whether it’s inspired by a culture, country, celebration, or journey. The brief challenges chefs to develop:
- A main course, which reflects the chosen theme
- A second course, which may be a canapé, starter, dessert, or drink
The emphasis lies in crafting an immersive dining experience, with consideration for taste, texture-modified diets, and nutritional value. Participants are encouraged to incorporate storytelling, décor, music, or memory cues to fully engage residents and bring the theme to life.
Judged by Experts in Care Catering
Entries will be reviewed by a panel of sector professionals. Judges include Rob Owen, Creed’s Executive Business Development Chef, and Preston Walker and James Ball from OHK, a leading dysphagia management training organisation. The judging criteria will focus on creativity, technical execution, relevance to care catering, and resident impact.
How to Enter
Entries are open to all chefs working in UK care homes and it’s completely free of charge. Applicants must submit:
- A themed two-course menu with full recipes
- A short description of the theme and its inspiration
- A brief overview of the preparation method
- Up to eight supporting images
The deadline for entries is 5:00pm on Monday 25th August 2025.
The top six finalists will be invited to a live cook-off at Rugby College on 29th October, where they’ll recreate their dishes and prepare a themed table display. The following day, Creed will host a care catering show at the same venue, offering finalists further networking and development opportunities.
Recognition and Reward
Each finalist will receive personalised chef whites and be featured across Creed’s media channels. The overall winner will be awarded the coveted trophy as well as a unique knife forging experience and champagne.
A Platform for Professional Growth
For care home managers, this competition is not only a chance to support your chef team but also to enhance the profile of your care home catering. Participating chefs gain valuable experience and sector recognition as well as inspiration and networking opportunities.
Encourage your chefs to enter today:
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