Classic Fine Foods UK Champions Culinary Excellence as Proud Sponsor of Bocuse d’Or Team UK

Classic Fine Foods UK is proud to reaffirm its commitment to culinary excellence through its sponsorship of Bocuse d’Or Team UK – the chefs representing Britain at the world’s most prestigious cooking competition.

The Bocuse d’Or is more than a contest; it’s a global celebration of creativity, precision, and gastronomic artistry. This year, Team UK is led by candidate Oliver McGeorge, a rising star whose journey spans Michelin-starred kitchens in France and the UK. Oliver earned his place at the helm following a fiercely competitive national selection held at the University of West London.

Among the top three finalists was our very own Russell Bateman, Culinary Development Chef for TheTasteLab London by Classic Fine Foods UK. We are incredibly proud of Russell for his outstanding performance and dedication throughout the selection process. His achievement reflects the depth of talent within our team and the passion we share for supporting the UK’s culinary community.

As part of our sponsorship, we are delighted to host the Bocuse d’Or UK team at TheTasteLab by Classic Fine Foods UK, our state-of-the-art culinary development space in London. TheTasteLab features cutting-edge equipment, and a kitchen specifically designed to replicate the Bocuse d’Or competition layout, providing the team with an authentic and high-performance training environment. It’s a space built to inspire, innovate, and prepare chefs for the highest level of competition.

“At Classic Fine Foods/ TheTasteLab, we are proud and honoured to host Team UK. We appreciate and respect the commitment involved in being part of this prestigious competition. We will be with Oliver and the team every step of the way to offer not only a kitchen they can call home, but an environment of development, enlightenment and learning. It goes without saying that our bounty of wonderful produce will be available to the team, as well as any support we can offer. Good Luck, Oliver and Go Team UK.” –    Russell Bateman, Culinary Development Chef for TheTasteLab by Classic Fine Foods.

Classic Fine Foods UK’s support also includes backing the President’s Gala Dinner, held at Claridge’s on 17 November. This extraordinary fundraising event will bring together seven of the UK’s three-Michelin-starred chefs, including Clare Smyth, Alain Roux, and Simon Rogan, each crafting a signature course to celebrate British culinary talent and raise vital funds for Team UK.

Our involvement in Bocuse d’Or UK reflects Classic Fine Foods’ broader mission to elevate the culinary arts and empower chefs to reach new heights. Whether through partnerships with national teams, support for emerging talent, or collaborations with world-class restaurants, we continue to be a driving force behind the UK’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

As the countdown to the European heats begins, Classic Fine Foods UK stands proudly behind Team UK, celebrating their achievements, supporting their ambitions, and sharing in their journey to the podium.

Pictures by @jodihindsphotographer.