GOURMET MASTER CHEFS - GLOBAL CHALLENGE GRAND FINALE 2024 TO TAKE PLACE IN BANGKOK FOR THE FIRST TIME

Published : 2024-07-26

(Bangkok 10th July 2024) - IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd is collaborating with the Hong Kong's International Association of Gourmet Master Chefs and Hospitality Executives (GMC) to Jointly organize the 1st ever Grand Finale of the Gourmet Master Chefs, Global Challenge 2024 (GMC 2024), that will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 22nd October 2024 at the renowned Lenôtre Culinary Arts School, Thailand.

Since 2010, GMC grand finales has attracted chefs and participants from around the world, with over 3,500 attendees. This year's GMC grand finale will be held outside of Hong Kong and China for the first time in Bangkok, Thailand.

This international culinary challenge will feature three competition categories, namely “Student” “Professional” and "Grand Master". In addition, the organizer will also introduce a special "Celebrity & Master Chef" category to serve as a highlight to promote the hospitality and culinary sector.

Supported by Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand's National Food Institute, China Dongguan Municipal Government, and China Dongguan Hengli Town Government, the Grand Finale of GMC 2024 will feature over 42 international competing teams, in front of over 30 international star chefs and jury panel, including Michelin starred chefs Cheng Kam Fu from Hong Kong, Koo Kwok Fai from Singapore and Nooror Steppe from Thailand.

GMC is also pleased to receive the support of the Gourmet Magazine as its of official media. Gourmet Magazine was voted the best food magazine in Hong Kong in 2011 and 2014. The food Magazine is also the publisher of the award-winning book called "The Taste of Old Hong Kong” which was commissioned by the Hong Kong government. This book received the award as the "Best Culinary History Book" by the Gourmand World Cookbook award in 2015.

Gastro-Tourism" is on the rise in Thailand as the country is a paradise for food lovers who wish to enjoy culinary experiences and excellence, from fine dining to street food. It is therefore timely for GMC 2024 to choose to stage their event in Thailand.

During the Grand Finale, GMC will also be organizing the Global Hospitality Summit Forum touching on 2 key strategic topics namely, "Good Food & Beverage brings mega dynamic in global tourism" and Thai Food as Thailand's Soft Power" to be attended by both international and local Thai F&B and culinary professionals.

At the end of the competition, participating delegations and judges will also embark on a day of Thailand Michelin Tour, visiting selected Thailand Michelin starred establishments to experience the top culinary excellence that Thailand has to offer.

On the staging of GMC 2024 in Thailand, Mr. Louis Chan, the President of GMC commented, "This collaboration between GMC 2024 and IMPACT, with Lenôtre Culinary Art School Thailand as the venue, is aimed at helping to further promote and raise the standards of our culinary profession, not just in Thailand, but also in the Asia Pacific region. We are indeed pleased to work closely with IMPACT to present GMC 2024 in Thailand for the first time."

The Lenôtre Culinary Art School Thailand was established in 2023. It is the only Lenôtre culinary academy outside of France, helping students in their pursuit and achievement of culinary excellence, through its advanced short trainings, diploma long courses and master classes.

Mr. Paul Kanjanapas, the CEO of IMPACT said "Equipped with the latest state of the art kitchen facilities, Lenôtre Culinary Art School Thailand is the ideal host venue for the staging of GMC 2024. This event not only reinforce our school as an acclaimed international culinary school, but also position ourselves as an international platform for competitive culinary expressions."

Mr. Paul Kanjanapas added, "I am confident that GMC 2024 will serve to be an important culinary platform for Thailand to connect with the world, and for culinary students and chefs alike to learn, exchange, and their share their culinary skills and culture."

At the time of the press conference, applications for the competition has already been closed with all competition slots being filled. GMC 2024 looks forward to announce its winners at the end of 22nd October 2024 during its grand gala evening at IMPACT.