WATSONVILLE, CA – FEB 28, 2023 – California Giant Berry Farms is now accepting entries for its annual Chef Invitational. Now in its 5th year, the California Giant Chef Invitational is a nationwide culinary competition that calls upon chefs to think outside the box and create innovative, original dishes featuring fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries as the hero of the plate. 

The revered event invites foodservice, corporate and restaurant chefs to compete by submitting a main dish recipe that showcases the versatility of fresh berries. Unique to 2023’s submission guidelines is the requirement for the recipe to fall under one or more of key trends as identified by Flavor & the Menu, including:  

• Asian Breakfast Wakes Up  
• Mustard’s Moment
• The Dark Side of Butter 
• True Colors 
• Time for Thai 

A panel of judges will determine a group of semi-finalists whose recipes will progress to a public voting round via website to determine the People’s Choice Award winner. 

The People’s Choice Winner and Chef Invitational Finalists will travel to California’s Central Coast at the end of June to tour various California Giant fields and facilities, enjoy varietal tastings, meal events and more. Following the tours and educational activities, the finalists will present their dishes to guests and a panel of judges during an exclusive event that will occur June 28th, where the Top Chef title will be determined. 

The Top Chef will receive a $1,000 check, as well as $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice. The Top Chef will have the opportunity to serve as the company’s Chef Ambassador through a variety of in-person and virtual engagements. The People’s Choice Winner will receive a $500 check and a donation of $500 to the charity of their choice. 

“We’re thrilled to be hosting our 5th annual Chef Invitational,” said Tom Smith, director of sales at California Giant Berry Farms. “With our revamped, trend-focused guidelines, we’re excited to see what innovative berry applications chef’s bring to the table.” 

The California Giant Berry Farms Chef Invitational continues to garner more awareness of the brand and highlight the abundant talent within the foodservice industry.  

For more information on how to apply to the 2023 California Giant Chef Invitational and to read the full guidelines for entry, visit: https://promos.calgiant.com/chef-invitational-2023