WhitCo Owner & Director Vita Whitaker served as a judge at the 11th International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2025, held from 2 to 8 February 2025. This global culinary competition, founded by Dr. Suborno Bose 13 years ago, is the brainchild of the visionary hospitality leader. Organised by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in collaboration with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London, YCO brings together 50 young chefs from 50 countries to compete for the Champion Trophy and a cash prize.
Vita joined an esteemed panel of culinary luminaries chaired by Prof. David Foskett, OBE, a globally revered hospitality educator, with Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor—India’s most celebrated culinary icon—serving as Principal Judge and Mentor. The jury featured a constellation of Michelin-starred chefs and international experts, including Alan Dewberry, Neil Rippington, Ron Scott, Cyrus Todiwala, Steve Munkley, John Wood, Mario Perera, Andreas Muller, Andy Mackenzie, Enzo Oliveri, Zamzani Abdul, Sarah Hartnett, Sanjay Kak, Shaun Kenworthy, Shaun Leonard, Paul Jervis, Gary Maclean, Stefan Hogan, Henry Brosi, Stephen Carter, and past judges include Peter Jones, Chris Galvin, David Graham, Russell Bateman, Manjunath Mural, Ranveer Brar, Zenobia Nadirshaw, Karen Anand, Abhijit Saha, Andy Varma, Enrico Bricarello, Scott Baechler, Parvinder Baliand and many more. Together, they rigorously evaluated competitors’ creativity, technical precision, and ability to innovate under pressure, blending decades of collective expertise to set a gold standard for culinary excellence.
The event, which spanned six Indian cities—Goa, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kolkata—culminated in a grand finale in Kolkata, where the top 10 chefs battled for the title.
Celebrating the Winners of YCO 2025
The 2025 edition of the Young Chef Olympiad saw exceptional talent from across the globe, with the following winners taking home top honours:
- Gold Medal and Trophy: Kamran Taylor (England)
- Silver Medal: Arsen Armenakyan (Armenia)
- Bronze Medal: Yves Gabriel C Po (Philippines)
- Plate Trophy: Shi-Hyun An (South Korea)
- Dr. Bose Challenge: Aliakbar Rampurawala (India) and Jasmin Ali Maher Jarrar (UAE)
A Celebration of Culinary Excellence and Innovation
The 2025 edition of the Young Chef Olympiad was themed around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability, reflecting the future of the hospitality industry, exploring how AI can enhance the human touch in culinary arts and how sustainability is shaping the future of food. The Olympiad once again proved to be a transformative platform for young culinary talent from across the globe. This year’s focus on AI and sustainability reflects IIHM and IHC’s shared commitment to preparing the next generation of chefs for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Vita Whitaker shared: “The camaraderie of chefs has no frontiers. YCO has shown the world this. Fifty young people have experienced an occasion in their lives that will leave a lasting mark. New friends, long-lasting connections. I wonder in years to come how many will be Michelin-star chefs, judges, or teachers—or all three? This is the legacy that Dr. Bose, Prof. Foskett, and all of us are creating.”
With its global outreach, the Young Chef Olympiad continues to be a transformative platform for young culinary talent, fostering cultural exchange, professional growth, and international collaboration.
Cultural Exchange and Culinary Diplomacy
One of the highlights of the event was the United World of Young Chefs, where participants showcased their national dishes, fostering cultural exchange and breaking barriers through food. Vita praised the initiative, stating, “Food is a universal language, and events like this remind us of its power to bring people together. It was a privilege to witness such a diverse display of talent and tradition.”
Media legend Alan Dewberry also attended the event, during which he participated in a weekly CSR initiative led by Mrs. Bose, focusing on feeding children in local slum areas as part of the “Stop World Hunger” campaign. This initiative reflects the commitment to social responsibility and community support that complements the culinary excellence celebrated at YCO.
WhitCo’s Commitment to Culinary Innovation
Vita’s participation in the Young Chef Olympiad 2025 aligns with WhitCo’s mission to support innovation and excellence in the culinary world. As a leader in designing and building commercial kitchens and dining spaces, WhitCo is committed not only to shaping the future of foodservice environments but also to nurturing the talent that will bring them to life. Through Jeff’s Way CIC Ltd, WhitCo actively supports aspiring chefs by providing training, mentorship, and career-enhancing opportunities. By contributing to events like YCO, we continue our mission to inspire, empower, and equip the next generation of culinary professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.
Jeff’s Way was set up to honour the memory of WhitCo founder Jeff Whitaker, following his untimely death in 2018. The Jeff Whitaker Award is presented to Culinary Arts Students. The award provides an opportunity to help students to gain additional work experience within some of the country’s finest restaurants. These placements continue their education and create opportunities for professional development. Read more about Jeff’s Way here.
“The future of the culinary industry is in good hands,” Vita said about YCO 2025. “These young chefs are not only skilled but also deeply committed to pushing boundaries and creating a positive impact. Work starts now to plan for 2026—expanding the competition with additional categories and reaching even more countries to inspire the next generation of culinary talent.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
The Young Chef Olympiad 2025 concluded with a grand closing ceremony in Kolkata, celebrating a decade of culinary excellence and global impact, which you can watch above. Vita’s involvement as a judge underscores WhitCo’s dedication to fostering innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange in the culinary arts. We look forward to continuing our support for initiatives that shape the future of food and hospitality.
Learn More
For more information about the Young Chef Olympiad 2025, visit ycolympiad.com. To learn more about WhitCo’s commitment to culinary innovation, explore our website or contact us at whitcoltd.com.