Empowering the Next Generation: Taste Canada Partnership

Canadian Food Focus’ multifaceted influencer program focuses on becoming a trusted source of information on Canadian food and farming for key influencer groups, such as chefs, dietitians, educators and health professionals. For several years, Canadian Food Focus has partnered with Taste Canada, most visibly through the annual Cooks the Books Student Cooking Competition, a dynamic event that celebrates the next generation of Canadian culinary talent while emphasizing recipes built around homegrown food and ingredients. We were proud to work alongside presenting sponsor Canada Beef on this event.

This year, participating schools included culinary colleges from across Canada:

• Assiniboine Community College, Manitoba
• Culinary institute of Canada – Holland College PEI
• Durham College, Ontario
• George Brown College, Ontario
• New Brunswick Community College
• Thompson River University (2 teams), British Columbia
• Vancouver Community College

Championing Canadian Food and Farming

This year, student competitors and their chef instructors were challenged to use Canadian beef as their main ingredient and then invited to source the majority of their ingredients from Canada, using the “What’s in Season” section of the Canadian Food Focus website as their key resource. The competition’s theme, “Global Flavours Grow in Canada,” inspired recipes showcasing diverse culinary traditions of Canada.

In addition, all participants joined a farm tour at the University of Guelph’s Beef Research Centre, hosted by Canada Beef and Canadian Food Focus. This hands-on experience deepened their knowledge of Canadian beef farming and sustainable practices while strengthening public trust in our food system.

Canadian Food Focus also contributes expertise and resources to the Cooks the Books Educational Resource Hub, ensuring lasting value for culinary students and professionals who are looking to understand Canadian food trends, agriculture, writing, and nutrition.

2025 Cooks the Books: Highlights

The 2025 event gathered 16 student chefs and their instructors from culinary colleges nationwide for a thrilling kitchen battle at Cirillo’s Academy in Toronto. Participants crafted innovative dishes live before a crowd, with their work scrutinized by an esteemed panel of judges:

• Chris Aerni (Chef + Owner, Rossmount Inn, New Brunswick)
• Mathieu Paré (Executive Director, Canada Beef)
• Massimo Capra (Chef + Cookbook Author, Capra’s Kitchen)
• Ryan Marquis (President, Canadian Culinary Federation)

and Kitchen Judges:

• Carmelo Vadacchino (Corporate Chef, Food Supplies Inc.)
• Paul Hoag (Executive Chef, McMaster University)

Our host was the engaging Kyle Crawford—known for his energetic approach and dedication to uplifting Canadian food culture.

Winners and Participating Schools

Congratulations to these talented future chefs:

• Gold: Alicia Decosse & Presley Kuharski (Assiniboine Community College)
• Silver: Alvin Morris & Megghan Sherritt (New Brunswick Community College)

All teams were celebrated for their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to Canadian ingredients in globally-inspired dishes.

Taste Canada Awards

Canadian Food Focus was pleased to be recognized at both the Taste Canada Cooks the Books competition and the prestigious Taste Canada Awards. The gala included presentation of Canada’s best cookbooks in a host of different categories. Explore the full list of 2025 Taste Canada Cookbook Award Winners.

Thank you to our many partners who support Canadian Food Focus’s vital work as we build trust in Canadian agriculture and empower the next generation of food leaders.