Are You Part of the Next Chef Movement? <br Join the ACF Competitions and Make Your Mark
The Australian Culinary Federation (ACF) competitions are the platform for our country’s most creative chefs, apprentices, and foodservice professionals to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for food. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just commencing your career in the food industry, our industry competitions offer a unique opportunity to empower yourself, reach your personal goals, and connect with peers who share your passion for all things food.
2025
competition schedule
culinary challenge 2024
Register Now!
The Culinary Challenge will be hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 2-5 September 2024 as a highlight of Fine Food Australia. Chefs, apprentices, and trainees are invited to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a race against time and each other.
Compete for a generous share of cash and prizes while displaying your skills to a captivated audience. The competition will feature a variety of challenges, including the National Apprentice Competition, ACF Most Outstanding Chef, Yum Cha Challenge, Team Challenge, and the Nestle Golden Chefs Hat, alongside a series of live individual events.
Join us at the competition arena where the BUONDI Chef Lounge offers a prime spot for viewing all the action. Feel free to drop by for a snack, a drink, and a friendly chat with fellow chefs and sponsors.
Please ensure to register for the show via the Fine Food Australia website. Registration is complimentary and necessary for entry into both the show and the competition arena.
2025 Restaurant Challenge
Foodservice Australia Melbourne
Gather your team and gear up for the 2025 Restaurant Challenge! Open to all professional chefs, this competition is a fantastic way to empower your kitchen team or industry peers to showcase your skills and have some fun.
2025 National Apprentices Competition
The NAC is the pinnacle of apprentice competitions across Australia, culminating in the final event hosted at Fine Food in Melbourne this September. Throughout the year, top apprentices and culinary students from each state and territory compete in their respective regions. The best from each apprenticeship year and student section are selected to converge and vie for the title of overall winner. The NAC’s reach is extensive, impacting over 4,000 culinary students and educators and linking to more than 10,000 chefs nationwide. State selections for the top four apprentices/students from each category will commence in May. For more details about the competition in your state, contact your Regional Chairman of Judges.
Nestle Golden Chef's Hat Award
Are you ready to make a name for yourself? Simply enter the Golden Chef’s competition by completing the online entry form.
2025 secondary schools culinary challenge
In 2024, the ACF will continue to inspire future culinary talent through the Secondary School Culinary Competitions held across all regions. This initiative aims to strengthen the connection between schools and the commercial cookery industry, encouraging more students to embark on culinary careers. The competition is open to senior secondary students in years 10-12 who are studying Home Economics or Hospitality. The national champions will experience an incredible reward – to be announced shortly.