UK will not compete in Bocuse d’Or Europe 2020
The Academy says that with the short and longerterm impact of COVID-19 more severe in the UK than in other competing countries, it did not see how Ian Musgrave, and his commis chef Adam Beaumont could ‘compete successfully’ due to a lack of both time and funding.
The decision means that Team UK will be unable to compete in the Bocuse d’Or global final, which is due to be held in Lyon, France, in 2021.
“It is following much consideration and with great regret that we have taken the decision to withdraw from this year’s European selection,” says president of Team UK Simon Rogan.
“We have a fantastic team and were looking forward to taking part in this most prestigious competition.”
“However, we want to compete to the best of our ability and unfortunately due to the COVID 19 lockdown and its impact on the UK economy and our industry, we are not in a position to do so.”
“We are proud and privileged to be part of the Bocuse d’Or family and this has not been an easy decision to make,” adds chair of the UK Academy Andreas Antona.
“However, the success of Team UK depends on the support of our sponsors, ambassadors and our industry as a whole. The whole UK foodservice supply chain has been devastated by COVID-19.”
“It’s now time to focus on doing what we can to rebuild our sector, whilst protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff and guests, so that together we will be a stronger force when we next compete.”
The Bocuse d’Or European selection will take place in Tallinn, Estonia on 15 and 16 October 2020.
The event was founded in 1987 by the late French chef Paul Bocuse and is the world’s largest culinary competition. The UK has never reached the top three, but Adam Bennett and his commis Kristian Curtis placed fourth in 2013.
