Fonterra announces 2012 Culinary Olympics Team Sponsorship

Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka demonstrated its commitment to the local foodservice industry earlier this month by announcing its sponsorship of the Sri Lankan 2012 World Culinary Olympics team. More than 300 chefs participated at the event held at Chaaya Tranz, Hikkaduwa.

Fonterra’s support will help send six of Sri Lanka’s top chefs to compete against teams from around the globe in the world’s largest professional competition for chefs and patissiers – the World Culinary Olympics scheduled to be held in Germany in October 2012. While there, the team will compete in numerous events in a bid to put Sri Lanka on the culinary world map.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the Sri Lankan 2012 World Culinary Olympics team was Gerard Mendis, Chairman of the Chef’s Guild, Tyrel Wasalathanthri, President of the Chef’s Guild and the captain of the Sri Lankan team Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe of the Aitken Spence Group.

Achyut Kasireddy, Managing Director, Fonterra Brands Lanka said, “It’s important that we encourage our impressive culinary talent on the international stage, highlighting what Sri Lanka has to offer to the world’s culinary scene. We’re delighted that we’re able to do this through our co-sponsorship of the 2012 World Culinary Olympics team.”

The 300 chefs selected from across the island were given the opportunity of getting an up-close look at Fonterra’s foodservice range which showcased the quality and versatility of a number of products including Anchor Mozzarella, Anchor Cream Cheese, Anchor Pastry Sheets, Anchor Extra Yield, and Anchor Extra Whip. Fonterra’s regional Chef David Warren’s cooking demonstration displayed some signature dishes using these products, for all in attendance to sample.

Kasireddy added: “Sri Lanka’s foodservice is booming as tourism numbers grow and people are increasingly looking for a high-quality culinary experience. We are extremely proud that 300 of the country’s top chefs came along to our recent Fonterra foodservice event to sample our range.  The impressive turnout highlights Fonterra’s strong relationship with chefs across Sri Lanka – one that we’re continuing to grow. We look forward to further strengthening our relationships with all food professionals in the country, becoming the trusted dairy partner to the local culinary industry.”

Chef Gerard Mendis, Chairman of the Chef’s Guild Lanka added, “We are grateful for the support given by Fonterra Brands Lanka and its Foodservices team. Our chefs are indeed on par with the best in the world and we constantly look for opportunities to showcase the talent and energy of our culinary professionals on the world stage. Thanks to the assistance provided by companies like Fonterra, we are able to send a team of talented chefs to participate at this year’s Culinary Olympics and bring recognition to the local culinary industry and to the country.”