Major Series Grand Final 2016

Another year, another storming success for the Major Series Competition! With excitement and participation in the event hotting up year on year, the annual nationwide competition organized through the longstanding partnership between the Craft Guild of Chefs and Major International once again came to a drew to a fast paced and exciting climax in its live finale at Hotelympia in London on the 3rd March.  This year’s edition saw an added on-trend twist to the traditional HOT CHICKEN grand final where Chefs in the running could choose to bring a street food inspired dish before the judges.
 
The Major Series, which is open to catering college students from seniors to junior and covers three main areas, Display Classes, Static Classes and Restaurant Skills acts as a great platform for new emerging chefs to showcase their talent. One of last year's finalists Ryan Gray, after competing in the Major Series went on to be approached by and participate in the British Culinary team.  It is hardly surprising therefore, that an even larger number of entrants applied this year. After the series of nationwide heat staged up and down the country, Major Culinary Challenge Competition winners came together at the Hotelympia for a cook off and the chance to win one of our prizes in a passionate race for victory.
 
This year competition was hotter than ever. As a variation on the usual HOT CHICKEN final where chefs have 50minutes to produce and present two identical plated chicken dishes, a trendy new addition to the competition gave Chefs the opportunity to bring an optional street food inspired dish before the panel of 8 judges. However, as Major’s Executive Chef Brian Eastment pointed out, “Whilst the competition was hard fought, it wasn’t long before a clear winner shone out amongst the participants.” Striding ahead the winner came in the form of Abigail Hookins, a young and talented Junior Chef from South Devon College. Best in class, Abigail was the proud winner of a year’s free membership to the Craft Guild of Chefs for her dishes: Piri Piri Chicken Tarte Tartin with Oven Seared Vine Tomatoes, Rocket, Mango and Pomegranate Salad and a Citrus Dressing and a street styled Barbeque Pulled Chicken Ciabatta with Red Cabbage, Chilli Slaw and a Coriander infused Crème Fraiche. Both dishes were conjured up using and drawing their inspiration from Major’s range of 11 Mari base products.
 
As proud sponsors of the event David Bryant, Major International’s Managing Director, is pleased with how far the competition has come. “Over the years, we have seen the competition go from strength to strength. Today it is recognized as one of the UK’s premier competitions at forefront of promoting culinary excellence. We at Major are particularly keen to encourage the creativity and nurture the talent of up and coming new chefs. We believe that the event is key to the development and honing of students’ skills in the catering industry and a great way to progress within the business. We honestly cannot wait to see what next year’s contestants will bring to the table.” 

Fancy taking a stab at the Major Series 2016-2017? Check out our competitions page to find out more