Success Stories

Lita in Marylebone announces new Culinary Director, retaining its Michelin star

London – Lita is delighted to announce the appointment of Kostas Papathanasiou as its new Culinary Director, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the neighbourhood restaurant. With a stellar background, including experience in some of the world’s most respected kitchens, including The Fat Duck, The Ledbury, The Social Company, and Restaurant Frantzén, his career has been shaped by an uncompromising respect for ingredients, technical precision and a deep appreciation for thoughtful, ingredient-led cuisine. At Lita, Kostas’ vision builds naturally on the restaurant’s existing identity – modern Mediterranean cooking with a strong focus on seasonality, simplicity and live fire. While rooted in classical technique, his cooking is instinctive and contemporary, and his skill has seamlessly enhanced the dining experience through an evolving menu that reflects his own culinary voice and creativity. Kostas has been quietly leading the kitchen since November 2025, working closely with the team as the restaurant continues to grow and refine its offering. The restaurant proudly retained its Michelin star in the recently released Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026, a testament to the consistent excellence Chef Kostas has brought to the kitchen.

The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops: Asia Pacific’s Notable Winners

The second edition of THE WORLD’S 100 BEST COFFEE SHOPS 2026 with DaVinci Gourmet announced its global rankings at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, revealing a reshaped coffee landscape for the Asia Pacific region. This definitive list of the world’s best specialty coffee shops saw Australia deepening its leadership with seven coffee shops in the global ranking, Taiwan with four, returning favourites such as Singapore’s Apartment Coffee maintaining its 2025 ranking, and Malaysia’s Story of Ono climb one level up. Australian newcomer Only Coffee Project Crows Nest clinched 4th position followed by Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters in 5th. Returning to the list were Proud Mary Coffee and Coffee Anthology, joined by newcomers Beta Coffee and Single O. The blend of returning icons and new entrants underlines Australia’s ongoing influence on global café standards. In Asia, Apartment Coffee in Singapore and Story of Ono in Malaysia took 6th and 8th place respectively, with The Republic of South Korea, Japan, China, and The Philippines securing placements in this year’s Top 100 rankings. See the full list at The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops The list confirms the emergence of new global capitals of quality coffee, as well as the consolidation of an increasingly diverse and innovative international coffee community that includes The United States, which leads the ranking with nine selected coffee shops, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and Middle East. “Congratulations to all 100 ranked coffee shops. The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 with DaVinci Gourmet is the global benchmark celebrating the cafés shaping the future of coffee, and as a leading beverage solutions brand, DaVinci Gourmet is proud to stand alongside it as the global title partner,” said Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager, Food Service Brands, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. A GLOBAL EVALUATION PROCESS The ranking is produced through a mixed system combining the evaluation of more […]

Legado by Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho opens August 2025

Legado, Nieves Barragán Mohacho’s second venue in partnership with JKS Restaurants, will open on Thursday, August 28th, 2025. Legado, meaning ‘Legacy’, is a profoundly personal expression of Spain and its rich regional food culture from the heart of visionary Spanish chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho. Suitably located in London’s Shoreditch, Legado is Nieves’s creative home, allowing her to share her beloved Spain through her intuitive artistic lens. With over two decades at the helm of Spanish cuisine in London, Nieves is renowned for her energetic joy in presenting some of her home country’s most iconic dishes, served at the one-Michelin-starred Sabor in Mayfair. Legado, however, is set to move beyond the familiar, allowing the wider ingredients, lesser-known dishes, regional culinary traditions and the Spanish artisans Nieves adores to take centre stage. With seating for over 60 in the dining room and space for 16 at the counter, Legado will also introduce the Taberna, a dedicated bar and outdoor terrace open all day serving tapas and pintxos. Nieves explains, “Spain’s food heritage is incredible and has rightly deserved recognition in London and globally. Its colours, tastes, and smells are rooted deeply within me. However, many dishes I love, I have never seen outside the country and want to bring them and even more to London.” The Food Ingredients – including their producers, history, and legacy – are at the fore of Nieves’s vision and the very soul of Legado. This begins with whole animal butchery, which will take place in-house, honouring farmers, animals, and the regions that rear them. Lamb, for example, is from Zamora, Lechazo de Castilla y León (IGP protected Indicación Geográfica Protegida), and will weave its way throughout the menu, celebrating dishes from the Basque Country to Mallorca. Likewise, suckling pig, a symbol of prosperity and abundance with roots […]

World first waste upcycling tech to reduce dependence on imported foods

A world-first Kiwi-developed food technology that upcycles horticultural waste into high-value products is set to reduce NZ’s dependence on imported food ingredients, cut greenhouse gas emissions, increase grower returns and boost regional employment. The waste valorisation system, developed by sustainability venture Powered by Plants (PbP) with support from Government-backed New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN), diverts thousands of tonnes of perishable horticultural produce from landfill and processes it into shelf-stable, high-value powders, concentrates and extracts for use in the food, nutraceutical and supplement sectors. The model, which can be scaled internationally, also produces bioenergy, fertiliser and even high-protein insect meal from previously unrecoverable waste. Dr Andrew Prest, director of Powered by Plants, says the concept was born out of frustration with the current food production model, where around a fifth of harvested produce is routinely discarded before it ever leaves the farm gate or is sold at unsustainable prices. He says with New Zealand’s $7 billion export horticulture sector producing over 6.2 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables each year, the opportunity to address the environmental and economic cost of waste is significant. Prest says the onion industry alone produces around 110,000 tonnes annually and has export earnings of approximately $170 million. However, up to 20% of this is sent to landfill, costing growers around $15 million each year, a loss compounded by the missed opportunity to upcycle this waste into high-value food ingredients or bio-products. He says the zero waste technology can produce powders and concentrates from almost any fruit and vegetable surplus and processed off-cut waste, including carrots, mushrooms, capsicum and blueberries, and can be adapted to other horticultural crops like kiwifruit and stone fruit. “Growers are stuck in an unsustainable commodity cycle where they’re selling most of their crop fresh and dumping the rest, either to landfill […]

Australian flavours find fans at Saudi Food Show

Over 50 Australian exporters brought a taste of Australia to Saudi Food Show in May– the largest food and beverage sourcing event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Austrade was proud to join state, territory and industry partners to support Australian exhibitors across meat, dairy, convenience, health foods and beverages. Australia’s clean, green, quality food and beverages consistently stand out in the Middle East, says Bryony Hilless, Austrade General Manager for the Middle East, Africa & Pakistan. ‘As the Middle East’s population grows and consumers demand high-quality and reliable food and beverages, Australia has become a secure and trusted exporter to the region,’ she says. The Middle East is Australia’s fourth largest market for agricultural exports. In 2024, Australia exported A$4.7 billion in agricultural goods to the region –A$600 million to Saudi Arabia. ‘Saudi Food Show offered a golden opportunity for the region’s retailers, wholesalers and food service providers to connect with Australian producers and explore partnerships,’ says Hilless. ‘We are proud to report many quality connections were made between Australian businesses and these buyers.’ Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and a raft of global events are transforming the Kingdom’s food and beverage landscape. There are unparalleled opportunities for Australian exporters to provide the innovative, premium products, explains Austrade’s Trade and Investment Commissioner Todd Miller. ‘Opportunities as part of this transformation span tourism and food service industries, as well as increasing speciality products like organic and health foods and convenience products,’ he adds. Meat on the menu at the Australia Pavilion Austrade partnered with Meat & Livestock Australia to bring a taste of Australia’s premium products to the region. Australian lamb and beef exporters, including Karim and Stanbroke, brought a range of halal-certified, high-quality meats. Australian frozen and chilled meat exports to the region are increasing. Sheep meat exports doubled between 2020 and 2024 to […]

Max Coen Chef-owner of Michelin-starred Dorian in Notting Hill, London

Max Coen is the chef-owner of Michelin-starred Dorian, a modern British bistro in the heart of Notting Hill. Known for its focus on exceptional produce, Dorian has quickly become a favourite among critics and locals alike. In just two years, the restaurant has earned a Michelin star, been named No. 21 in the UK’s National Restaurant Awards, and established itself as a cornerstone of its community. Nothing at Dorian is overdone, but each element is filled with so much thought and energy that it becomes almost contagious, freely flowing around the room and imbuing the space with a relaxed confidence that instantly puts guests at ease. The 35-seat interior is French bistro-inspired, with black and white chequered flooring, green leather banquettes, reclaimed wood panelling, silvered mirrors, classic bentwood chairs, and white cotton and paper-covered tables. A full-height bar with counter seating for up to 18 runs the length of one wall, adding to the convivial, communal ambience. For Max, cooking has always been about precision and respect for ingredients. His recipes for his flavour-packed dishes are complex and Michelin-technical but are exactingly plated with a relaxed ease that belies the skills involved. Max was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, where he first stepped into the kitchen by chance, covering a shift at a local pub. The experience sparked an immediate passion, leading him to pursue a career in professional kitchens. His journey began at Maze Grill under Gordon Ramsay’s group, where he developed his foundational skills before securing a sought-after stagiaire position at Stockholm’s three-Michelin-starred Frantzén. Max was thrown into a world of technique, precision, and skill in a critically acclaimed restaurant under the gastronomic eye of the international dining scene. Returning to London, he joined Kitchen Table in Fitzrovia, which soon acquired a second star, and where Max was promoted […]

Alexandre Mazzia and Sodexo Live!

Taking the Helm of MUCEM’s Kitchen with an Innovative Concept Bridging Art and the Sea The Michelin-starred visionary chef Alexandre Mazzia, crowned with three Michelin stars, is embarking on a new culinary adventure by taking the reins of the kitchen at the prestigious MUCEM located on the shores of the Mediterranean. This partnership with Sodexo Live! marks the beginning of a fusion between gastronomy and the world of art, in a place where flavours and culture meet. A Meeting Between Two Worlds Alexandre Mazzia, known for his bold and innovative cuisine, influenced by Mediterranean flavors, will bring his expertise and creativity to the heart of this museum, which symbolizes the cultural and historical richness of the region. The chef, famous for his approach to gastronomy, will reinterpret the museum’s cuisine by offering a culinary experience that interacts with the works and artists on display. Michel Food Truck by AM The concept of the Michel food truck by AM will be launched next April. “This truck, named ‘Michel’ in honour of my fisherman grandfather, is much more than a food truck. It has become a must-visit spot for food lovers. Marseillaise locals or hungry visitors passing through the Phocean city, who enjoy discovering the explosive flavours of our creations, will find it in line with the AM restaurant. Taking place in this cultural venue, bringing together food and culture, is a natural continuation of our values of sharing and an artistic world…” A Modern Contemporary Brasserie A modern contemporary bistro opened last October in a space designed to reflect the essence of the Mediterranean. Chef Mazzia, in partnership with Sodexo Live!, will present a refined and inventive menu that highlights the produce of the region while remaining true to Chef Mazzia’s roots. Each dish will connect with its territory, crafted to […]

Chef Spotlight: Rishi Naleendra, Chef-owner of two Michelin-starred Cloudstreet in Singapore

Restaurant: Cloudstreet Chef: Rishi Naleendra Cuisine: Progressive Gastronomy Chef Rishi Naleendra, born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 1985, is the owner and chef of Cloudstreet, the two Michelin-starred restaurant located in a conserved shophouse in Amoy Street, a stone’s throw from Singapore’s financial district, Raffles Place. Opened in June 2019, the restaurant quickly garnered international acclaim, with its first Michelin star in 2021 and a second in 2022. Its name is taken from the 1940s titular novel by the Australian author Tim Winton, exploring the search for connection with the past, family and the spaces they inhabit at any one time. This subject resonated deeply with Chef Rishi Naleendra, who grew up in Sri Lanka, studied, worked and gained permanent residency in Australia, then relocated to Singapore in 2014, where he still lives to this day. Cloudstreet is inspired by his compelling personal journey and the values of family and home he holds dear, regardless of where he finds himself in the world. Bold, unexpected, and contrasting in its identity, Cloudstreet’s menus offer an expressive, progressive cuisine, melding disparate cultures and influences with distilled and layered flavours. Rishi’s thoughtful and sophisticated dishes effortlessly blend Australian and Sri Lankan influences. Signatures of the house are recipes meticulously developed over the years and, at times, presented in different iterations – for example, the Grilled Oyster with Betel Leaf, Coconut and Finger Lime is a pre-meal snack and Sri Lankan tradition. Guests are welcomed with betel leaf, or ‘bulat’ as an auspicious symbol, and at Cloudstreet, it enrobes a raw Australian oyster that recalls Rishi’s first taste of oysters in Australia and his love for its brininess. The parcel is grilled and finished with freshly squeezed coconut milk, basil oil, and finger lime. This palate teaser is an apt opener, blending his Sri […]

Kerry’s Australia and New Zealand Charts Spotlight Bold Flavours and Next-Gen Consumer Trends

Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has launched its 2025 Taste Charts, a comprehensive resource on developing trends designed to guide food and beverage innovators worldwide. The charts are a must-have consumer insights tool, with every prediction grounded in market reality and projected innovation. Taste is the ultimate non-negotiable for product development. In a rapidly evolving industry, challenges such as nutritional optimisation, sustainability and consumer demand must all be addressed without sacrificing taste. This year’s edition features a carefully curated selection of tastes and trends, blending global insights with the expertise of top flavourists and scientists to help brands anticipate market shifts and create impactful products. The 2025 Taste Charts provide the insights needed to meet consumer demands, empowering brands to lead with bold, sustainable innovation. “The 2025 Taste Charts underscore the power of innovation in shaping the future of taste, with trends that are a testament to the dynamic preferences of consumers across Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. The rise of premiumisation, reimagined heritage flavours and street food, fusion fare, healthier foods, and innovative food formats highlight an industry thriving on creativity and connection. As consumers embrace diverse cultures and cuisines, brands have a remarkable opportunity to create unique, authentic taste experiences using our data-driven Taste Charts to meet changing consumer preferences. By blending global flavours with regional traditions, we can delight evolving palates and bring exciting products to market,” said Claire Sullivan, Vice President, Marketing, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. A Roadmap to Flavour Innovation Kerry Australia and New Zealand Taste Charts major flavours for 2025 are: Elevated Street Food: Food trucks, market stalls and restaurants are taking traditional street food to a new level of sophistication and flavour, where the casual essence of street food is retained while merging its excitement with […]

JRE-Jeunes restaurateurs strengthens connection between wine and gastronomy

JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, a prestigious network of young, innovative chefs and restaurateurs across the world is pleased to announce a new partnership with Wine in Moderation, the international program promoting responsible wine consumption. This collaboration reinforces the timeless link between wine and gastronomy, emphasising the role HORECA professionals play in encouraging moderation and showcasing how wine is best enjoyed—with food, in good company, and with water – and of course in a moderate and responsible way. Through this partnership, Wine in Moderation and JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs aim to celebrate the cultural and sensory synergies between wine and cuisine while promoting responsible consumption. By encouraging the responsible service and enjoyment of wine, this collaboration will not only enhance the dining experience but also support a culture of moderation and sustainability. “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to highlight how wine, when consumed responsibly, can elevate the dining experience,” said Sandro Sartor, WiM Association President. “JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs embodies the values of quality, creativity, and sustainability, making them the perfect partner to share the message of moderation in the context of gastronomy.” “This partnership underscores the importance of the role chefs and restaurateurs play in shaping how people appreciate wine,” said Hans Van Manen CEO of JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs. “By working together, we can inspire both professionals and consumers to embrace a culture of moderation and highlight the unique ways wine enhances food and conviviality.” The partnership between Wine in Moderation and JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs will focus on several key initiatives designed to promote responsible wine consumption and enhance the connection between wine and gastronomy. Both organisations will actively communicate the partnership through their respective channels while JRE members will be invited to take part in the annual international Wine in Moderation Day. With the support of WiM Association, JRE will aim to educate its network with […]

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