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Thirty years ago, by creating the contest that would bear his name, Paul Bocuse achieved so much more than drawing the chefs out of their kitchens: he established the first community of talents, the first platform for sharing ideas and the best expression of solidarity in the cooking trade. It is no mean feat that the Bocuse d Or contests still proudly bear, more than ever, these values in the wake of the historical crisis the world and the food service industry have experienced. As a modern-era Hydra, the health crisis with its many consequences has taken aim at our social and professional relationships, to no avail. We owe this to the great show of solidarity by the chefs, their agility and ability to adapt their tools and kitchens to constraints never seen before. And the Bocuse d Or is back, more essential and stronger than ever: heralding the values inherited from Paul Bocuse, with its flexible and adaptable Organising Committee, and the introduction of a take-away test to integrate the changes of our times. Thanks, also to the pugnacity of the competing countries, from the European final in Tallinn to the selecting events based on a points system in America, Asia and Africa, that have shown an incredible resilience that has led them today to the grand Finale in Lyon. During Sirha Lyon 2021, in the stands of the greatest cooking contest in the world, we will experience an unforgettable collective moment. A vibrant homage from those who enjoy good food to those who expertly prepare it for them.
Whenever my father would leave the kitchen, he used to shout: Keep your spirits up! . I often thought of this precious advice during these odd months we have been through. I think he would be proud to see that collectively we stood fast, aware of the new social and environmental challenges to come. The participants in the Bocuse d Or, this unique contest that pays tribute to cooking and to all chefs, never let up, neither did the Organising Committee, and the selecting process went ahead across the world. As a result, we are here now, after all these difficulties, collectively stronger: the finalists are ready to face the challenge of the new take-away test introduced to integrate the changes in our society, and all the teams, coaches, presidents, and supporters, are gathered once again, at last, to share the human values so dear to Paul Bocuse. So, to you all, I would like to say this: Keep your spirits up!
OLIVIER GINON CEO - GL EVENTS
JÉRÔME BOCUSE PRESIDENT OF THE BOCUSE D OR
FORE- WORD