Heinz Professional Mayonnaise and Giraffe join forces to uncover in-house talent

Chef Safia Stewart Chef Adam Adour Chef Raf Zielinski

At a time when nearly forty per cent of hospitality businesses are faced with skilled worker shortages and studies indicate a potential 13m to 14m talent gap over the next five years , Heinz Professional Mayonnaise is working with operators to bring morale-boosting recognition to their hardworking teams.

In its latest operator partnership, Heinz Foodservice joined forces with Boparan Restaurant Group’s casual dining chain, Giraffe to launch a cooking competition for the chance to secure three coveted spots on its nationwide menus in 2023.

In a zestful cook-off finale held on Wednesday 19th

October 2022, ten shortlisted chefs battled it out in front of a panel of industry judges at Giraffe’s Birmingham

Grand Central site.

The final showdown followed a month-long selection process in which chefs of all levels at Giraffe were challenged to stick their necks out on the creativity front and whip up their own unique breakfast, small plate or main dish using Craft Guild of Chefs accredited Heinz

Professional Mayonnaise as the hero ingredient.

Head Chef, Raf Zielinski from Giraffe, London Victoria, Sous Chef Adam Adour from Birmingham, and Chef de Partie, Safia Stewart also from Birmingham, were crowned the winners for their innovative use of Heinz Professional Mayonnaise to create: Spicy Chicken Brunch Muffin, Truffalo Loaded Fries and Brisket Filled Dumpling, Chloé Schiltz, Brand Manager at Kraft Heinz Foodservice was on the judging panel, and she stated that, “it was an absolute pleasure to partner with the Giraffe team. I’ve been genuinely impressed by the creativity and skills the chefs have demonstrated. Seeing them championing the Heinz Professional Mayonnaise is another testament to the quality and versatility of our product to elevate classics and create innovative dishes.”

Giraffe will be unveiling the three new dishes at all eight restaurants in 2023 as a special edition launch.