Kraft Heinz Masters of the Menu chef competition returns with bigger prize

Kraft Heinz is bringing back its Masters of the Menu culinary competition for a second year, following a successful 2025 launch.

The competition is again partnering with 2018 Great British Menu winner James Cochran and the Craft Guild of Chefs, and aims to spotlight the UK’s culinary talent by offering a platform to elevate skills and business potential.

Masters of the Menu is designed for chefs working in independent operations. Five finalists will take part in a two-round cook-off held at Cord by Le Cordon Bleu in London, following a period of mentorship from Cochran and other industry professionals.

The winner will receive a £5,000 cash prize, 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 judging panel will bring together expertise from across the foodservice sector and include Cochran, 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.

Cochran said: “Masters of the Menu is all about giving independent chefs a platform to really showcase what they can do. I’ve been in their shoes, building something from the ground up, so I know how important that support, mentorship and visibility can be. It’s not just about creating great dishes, it’s about helping chefs grow sustainable businesses and back themselves in a tough industry.

“Last year showed just how much talent exists across independent kitchens in the UK. Being part of Masters of the Menu again is a real honour, especially with the strong line-up of judges involved.

“Mentorship is something that’s always been important to me, and this competition is a brilliant way to pass on knowledge, build confidence and help chefs take that next step in their careers.”

Tom Franklin, UK and Ireland Kraft Heinz away from home director, added: “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