Kraft Heinz issues final call for Masters of the Menu chef competition entries

Independent chefs have less than two weeks to enter this year’s Kraft Heinz Masters of the Menu competition, with the deadline approaching on Monday 31 August 2026.

 

Returning for a second year following a 2025 launch, the competition has expanded for 2026 with a £5,000 cash prize for the winner, an enhanced judging panel including 2025 champion Stefan Sewell, and a new partnership with London’s Cord by Le Cordon Bleu.

 

Once again partnering with 2018 Great British Menu winner James Cochran and the Craft Guild of Chefs, the competition aims to spotlight the UK’s independent culinary talent, providing a platform to develop both culinary skills and business potential.

 

Designed specifically for chefs working in independent operations, Masters of the Menu will see five finalists take part in a two-round cook-off at Cord by Le Cordon Bleu, following a period of mentorship from Cochran and other industry professionals. The initiative is designed to nurture culinary creativity and commercial and operational expertise.

 

Cochran said: “If you’ve been thinking about entering, this is your chance. Competitions like Masters of the Menu can open doors – it’s an opportunity to put your food in front of people who genuinely want to champion independent chefs, get honest feedback, build your confidence and make connections that can have a lasting impact on your career. I’d encourage anyone who’s eligible to get their entry in before the deadline."

 

As well as a larger £5,000 cash prize this year, the winner will receive PR support to boost their professional profile and the opportunity to co-host a supper club with James Cochran. All entrants will also be entered into a prize draw to win £100 in cash.

 

The 2026 judging panel brings together expertise from across the foodservice sector. Joining Cochran are Stefan Sewell, 2025 Masters of the Menu champion; Ian Nottage, head of food development at Fresh Direct; John Feeney, culinary and innovation director at Griffith Foods; and Martin Eshelby, culinary director at Bidfood.

 

Tom Franklin, UK and Ireland Kraft Heinz away from home director, said: “At its core, Masters of the Menu is about championing the incredible talent within the UK’s independent foodservice sector. After seeing the impact the competition had in its first year, we’re proud to bring it back bigger and better for 2026.

 

“By increasing the prize offering and strengthening our judging panel, we’re ensuring that participants gain not just recognition, but real, tangible support to help grow their businesses.”

 

How to enter Masters of the Menu

Chefs must develop and submit a recipe using one or more Heinz products:

 

Heinz Professional Mayonnaise

Heinz Tomato Ketchup

Heinz Mayonnaise

Heinz Firecracker Sauce

Heinz Classic Burger Sauce

Heinz Smokey Baconnaise

Heinz Yellow Mustard

Heinz, Sticky Korean Barbecue Sauce

Heinz Salad Cream

Heinz Sweet Chilli Sauce

Heinz Classic Barbecue

 

Shortlisted entrants will be invited to compete with their dish in the first round of a final cook-off.

 

The competition is open to chefs aged 18 or over, who are working for independent operators (defined as businesses with four or fewer locations) in the UK.

 

Entries close on 31 August 2026.

 

Find out more on how to enter Masters of the Menu