Chefs worldwide called on to inspire next generation

Chefs across the globe are preparing to celebrate International Chefs Day on 20 October, a tradition launched in 2004 by the late Chef Dr. Bill Gallagher to honor the culinary profession and inspire future generations.

This year’s theme, "Food Explorers," is a collaborative campaign by Worldchefs and Nestlé Professional, encouraging children to discover the joys of cooking, healthy eating, and sustainable food practices.

Through interactive workshops, cooking sessions, garden tours, and nutrition-focused activities, chefs are invited to engage with kids in their communities. The goal: spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for food while promoting fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

With thousands of chefs expected to take part, the 2025 celebration aims to make a meaningful impact—one delicious dish at a time.

How you can get involved and celebrate International Chefs Day 2025:

• Cooking Adventures: Host fun, hands-on workshops using Nestlé Professional’s 8 Hero Ingredients, where kids can explore simple, nutritious recipes and discover the thrill of creating their own dishes.

• Nutrition Exploration: Teach the importance of balanced diets and local produce with practical, engaging tips that make healthy eating exciting and accessible.

• Sustainable Food Journeys: Start a garden or visit a local farm using the toolkit’s “Grow a Garden” guide to show kids where food comes from and how to care for the planet.

• Creative Food Art: Encourage children to turn ingredients into edible masterpieces, combining fun with food education.

• Global Flavor Quest: Introduce young chefs to international cuisines, celebrating cultural diversity through taste and tradition.

• Community Impact: Organise food donation drives to educate children on food insecurity and the importance of giving back.

To help chefs plan their events, Worldchefs has released the International Chefs Day Toolkit—available at worldchefs.org/internationalchefsday—packed with recipes, workshop tips, posters, certificates and a recipe book for kids to take home.