Alliance, New Zealand’s only 100% farmer-owned red meat co-operative has announced the launch of its 2023 Lumina competition.
Chefs from across the UK and Ireland are invited to submit their most exciting lamb recipes, for the opportunity to scoop a top accolade and an all-expenses paid trip to New Zealand.
For a chance to reach the professional pinnacle to which many aspire, chefs of all levels can enter their award-worthy recipes via the Lumina website. Images of the chosen dish are also required to be shared on Instagram, using the hashtags #LuminaChallenge2023, #LuminaLamb and #PinnacleofTaste, for a chance to win.
Helping to pick the top 20 recipes will be a panel of industry-renowned experts, including head judge Matt Owens, chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs and development chef for Alliance; Mark Reynolds, executive head chef at Tottenham Hotspur FC and vice-chair of Craft Guild of Chefs; Ioannis Grammenos, executive chef at Heliot Steakhouse and the world’s first meatologist; and Kerth Gumbs, previous banquet finalist on Great British Menu and newest judge/co-host of MasterChef Juniors.
The judging panel will consider the presentation, innovation and creativity of each recipe, as well as the use of ingredients, taste, flavour and texture. The judges will also be looking for chefs to highlight the quality of Lumina’s 100% free-range New Zealand grass-fed lamb.
Revealing what the judges will be looking for from entries, head judge Matt Owens, chairman, Craft Guild of Chefs, and development chef for Alliance, said: “Lumina is recognised globally for the world’s best and most succulent lamb – carefully curating the highest standard of excellence and care throughout the entire journey from farm to plate. This year’s challenge will invite chefs of all levels to match these high standards, let their creative juices flow and showcase their culinary skills and creativity to produce something both delicious and surprising.”
The winner of the Lumina Challenge 2023 will win an all-expenses paid trip to New Zealand in 2023, and be inducted into the Lumina Ambassador programme, joining the likes of Andrianos Poulis, Lee Ladislav Poustevnik, John Skotidas, and the Lumina Challenge judging panel. Their adventure to New Zealand will include a visit to Lumina Farms, a chance to try the product on premium menus in the country’s best restaurants, a chance to cook alongside Lumina chefs from around the world, and an opportunity to experience the local culture and lifestyle.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
