From the President

President's Message

Dear Chefs, Friends and Colleagues from all around the world,

Like usual I take the time and dedication to send you some of my thoughts and views for Worldchefs and our global situation. Luckily the COVID-19 pandemic situation has eased a little, which is a great plus for our industry.

My biggest worries have been the many unfortunate people around the globe with increased hardships and how they and we have had to maneuver through these hard times. Thank God, the vaccines have been showing some positive results and the global status is slowly getting better day by day.

Nevertheless, and with big tears in our eyes, we had to cancel the amazing and well-organized Global Chef Challenge Final in Wales. I would like to thank President Arwyn Watkins, the Culinary Association of Wales and the entire Wales team for their amazing efforts and fantastic work.

Sooner or later, we will get back to full activities and this is what we are all looking forward to. Many activities are slowly starting up again and I can see how happy our colleagues and friends are about this. With great sorrow, we had to announce the passing of Dr. Chef Soundararajan, General Secretary of Indian Federation of Culinary Arts (IFCA), who passed away during a live Zoom meeting, which was very shocking for everyone. As I write this, just some days ago our good friend and colleague, Lyudmila Radchenko, Vice President of the Ukrainian Culinary Union from Kharkiv left us as well, and many others too.

I would like to request a heartfelt moment of silence and last farewell to all our friends and colleagues who have recently departed.

At this stage, I would like to provide some updates. Over the past several months, Worldchefs completed many initiatives and I want to say thank you to all the team for their dedication and hard work.

Firstly, I would like to inform you, that Saudia Catering is a new official Worldchefs supporter and strategic partner. This exciting partnership also includes airline tickets for the Board of Directors to attend meetings for the coming years.

Ragnar and I have worked on numerous new partnership proposals, which will be announced shortly. I would like to thank the team once again for the hard work required for these developments.

We have a new initiative providing an opportunity for all Worldchefs members to participate in the creation of the “ultimate rice cooking book” by submitting simple to create recipes according to a given template. For further details contact office@worldchefs.org.

The 2022 Worldchefs Congress in Abu Dhabi is in full preparation. We are all looking forward to welcoming all of you there for the next stunning Congress! Just remember the “Power of the White Jacket” will make it happen to surprise and enlighten you all.

Congratulations to the numerous newly appointed national association presidents and welcome to the team. Wishing you all the very best success in your new positions and assignments.

We also welcome Peter Wright, the new interim Continental Director for the Pacific Rim, to the team of the Worldchefs Board of Directors. We are looking forward to working together towards a very fruitful cooperation and bright future. I would also like to congratulate Chairman Vanessa Marquis, the members of the International Chefs Day Committee, and everyone around the world for your participation in this year’s International Chefs Day.

I truly believe it is our responsibility to provide the next generation with the same or better opportunities which we had during our childhood. Good and healthy food is so important for all the world inhabitants and we as professionals must keep our focus on waste prevention and sustainability directions for the future.

As I always say, let’s do all we can do to make the world a better place. Thank you for your efforts once again representing your chef association, the culinary profession, and Worldchefs.

In closing, I would like to wish you all the very best and I look forward to seeing and meeting you somewhere around the globe as soon as possible. I am wishing that you and all your families stay safe and healthy, and we all work together towards a “Bright and Healthy Future.”

Best Culinary Regards and Greetings,

Thomas A. Gugler President, Worldchefs

As I always say, let’s do all we can do to make the world a better place. Thank you for your efforts once again representing your chef association, the culinary profession, and Worldchefs.