Culinary Gold: Why Supporting Our National Teams Matters More Than Ever
Article written by: Brigitte Foisy, Vice-President, Bocuse d’Or and Chefs Canada
In the world of food, the Bocuse d’Or and the World Pastry Cup stand as the Olympics of gastronomy, drawing chefs and pastry artists from across the globe to compete in what are considered the most demanding culinary competitions on Earth. Canada’s recent ascent back into the world’s culinary top 10—its first since 2013—signals not just a triumph but an invitation for emerging Canadian culinarians to pursue excellence on the international stage.
The National Selection: A Launchpad for Culinary Excellence
Held biennially at RC Show, the National Selection is a crucible where eight hopefuls vie for the honour of representing Canada at the 2027 Bocuse d’Or and World Pastry Cup. Under the discerning eyes of a jury comprising of esteemed chefs and restaurateurs, these competitors embody the aspirations of our nation’s foodservice professionals, producers and manufacturers. Their journey is not merely personal; it’s a national endeavour to elevate Canada’s culinary stature globally.
The Funding Gap: A Stark Contrast
Unlike their European counterparts, Canadian culinary athletes receive minimal financial support, relying largely on sporadic brand sponsorships. This stands in stark contrast to the substantial government funding that supports sports athletes and culinary teams in countries like France, Denmark and Japan. Despite the lack of financial backing, Canadian chefs are celebrated abroad with the fervour reserved for box office celebrities. Yet, domestically, their achievements often go unnoticed, overshadowed by a general indifference to the intricacies of haute cuisine made with tweezers, molds and emulsions.
The Economic Imperative: Gastronomy as a Catalyst for Tourism
The significance of investing in our national culinary team extends beyond prestige; it’s an economic imperative. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2025, the travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute an unprecedented US$11.7 trillion to the global economy, accounting for 10.3 per cent of global GDP. International visitor spending is expected to reach a historic $2.1 trillion, surpassing the previous high of $1.9 trillion in 2019 by $164 billion.
Culinary tourism, or gastrotourism, has evolved into a significant driver of travel decisions. It’s estimated that 80 per cent of travellers research culinary options before trips, with many selecting destinations
primarily for their food and beverage experiences. Activities such as food events (79 per cent), gastronomic routes and cooking classes (62 per cent), and visits to markets and local producers (53 per cent) rank among the most sought-after experiences for tourists.
Countries that have excelled in competitions like the Bocuse d’Or—such as France, Denmark and Sweden—have witnessed heightened interest from culinary tourists. France’s recent victory at the 2025 Bocuse d’Or reinforced its status as a top gastronomic destination. Similarly, Japan’s consecutive wins in the 2023 and 2025 Pastry World Cup have spotlighted its rich pastry-making traditions, further attracting global attention. Following their Bocuse d’Or success, Nordic countries, including Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, have seen a growing focus on their tourism. Iceland, for example, which made the podium in 2017, saw a 19 per cent annualized growth rate in tourism following their performance, far outpacing any of their peers.
A Call to Action: Investing in Canada’s Culinary Future
The time has come for Canada to recognize the strategic value of its culinary talent. Active participation and success in competitions like the Bocuse d’Or and the World Pastry Cup not only showcase our nation’s culinary prowess but also promote our unique terroir and local producers. This, in turn, can boost gastrotourism, support local agriculture, and enhance the sustainability of foodservice businesses.
Organizations like Chefs Canada play a pivotal role in this ecosystem by inspiring industry professionals, fostering creativity, and mentoring the next generation. However, to truly capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global culinary stage, a concerted effort involving government support, industry investment, and public engagement is essential.
We invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Support our national culinary team and advocate
for the recognition and funding they deserve. Visit our website to sign the petition and join us in elevating Canada’s culinary identity on the world stage.
Sign the petition here: www.chefscanada.com/petition
