California Raisin Recipe Development Contest 2006

Creative Challenge for Cooking Enthusiasts

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(8 June 2006) Hong Kong’s 1st “California Raisin Recipe Development Contest”, organized by the U.S. Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC), is held at the Hospitality Industry Training and Development Centre of the Vocational Training Council today.

The contest has a two-fold aim of promoting the use of the tasty fruit as part of a person’s everyday diet and increasing public awareness of the nutritional benefits of California raisins. From cooking enthusiasts to catering apprentices, the contestants have turned out in full force to show their talents, adapting California raisins into their creative recipes, and capturing the adjudicators’ hearts with tempting entries.

The contest comes in two sections: Cooking Enthusiasts—Freestyle Appetizer (hot or cold) and Catering Apprentices—Hot Cooking (Pork). Contestants are required to use California raisins as the main ingredients in their entries with the designated food of the group. Their entries are judged on their creativity and taste; practicality and look; preparation and tidiness of the work place. The contest has a winner, 1st runner-up and 2^nd runner-up for each section, who each receives $6,000, $4,000 and $2,000 worth of travel cash vouchers respectively. Announcement of winners are made at the end of the contest.

The organizer has invited six leading international chefs as members of the adjudication panel, including Angelo McDonnell, Group Executive Chef, Igors Group; Hans R Nussbaumer, Chief Instructor (Food Preparation-Western), Hospitality Industry Training and Development Centre; John Drummond, Executive Chef, Inter-Continental Grand Stanford; Angus Cheng, Senior Sous Chef, Wynn Hotel and Casino; Alan Yu, Executive Chef, Top Deck; Perry Yuen, F&B Manager—Operations,  Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The adjudicators are impressed by the creativity of the participants, particularly the amateurs, who have shown both their skills and originality, reflecting their passion for making the best food. They also praised the apprentices for their drive which makes them good prospects for the cooking industry.

California raisins are considered one of the most nutritious dried fruits in the world. Saturated fat and cholesterol free, California raisins have a high fructose level of 70 %, which can be easily absorbed by the human body, contributing to the recovery of energy. The convenience and versatility of California raisins make it an easy and tasty treat for most city dwellers of today.

The contest’s supporting organizations include the Hong Kong Chefs Association; Hong Kong Chinese Chefs Association and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Raisin Administrative Committee

The U.S. Government founded the Committee in 1937. Its function is to administer the Raisin Marketing Order, make recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for programs pursuant to the Marketing Order and recommend amendments to the Order and the rules and regulations.

The Committee is responsible for the establishment of policy for the raisin industry within the legal framework of the Marketing Order. It is also charged with the responsibility of overseeing the operations and performing functions necessary to implement the policies of the industry.

To learn more about the Committee, please visit its website at www.raisins.org

Media Contact

Media Services Public Relations & Communication Ltd.

Ms Chris Lee/ Ms Cally Wong

Tel: 2893 9672/ 98003173/ 63005620   Fax: 2838 1875

Email: christie@mediaservices.com.hk / cally@mediaservices.com.hk

Contest Information Hotline

Raisin Administrative Committee

Ms. Joanne Chow

Tel: 2858 2230

Fax: 2559 5896

Email: joannechow@Lnahk.com.hk