The ongoing health crisis we are facing is affecting all of us at different levels and in different ways and there is little visibility moving forward in the current context. However, it is the duty of the International Organization Commtitee (I.O.C.) to make decisions that are as fair and as relevant as possible. The Bocuse d'Or I.O.C has consulted recently to decide, in collaboration with the competent authorities in the host countries, on the holding of the continental selection events for the contest.
Given the uncertainty regarding the possibility for the participating teams to travel and the opening of borders, the I.O.C. has decided to cancel the Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific (scheduled to be held in Canton-China from July 1st to 2nd, 2020) and the Bocuse d’Or Americas (scheduled to be held in Lima-Peru from September 25th to 26th, 2020).
For these two contests, a committee of chefs, presided by Jérôme Bocuse, President of the Bocuse d'Or and Régis Marcon, President of the I.O.C. – also composed of Philip Tessier, President of the Bocuse d'Or Winners, Stefan Stiller, President of Bocuse d'Or Asia Pacific, and Guy Santoro, President of Bocuse d'Or Americas 2018 – meet together and decided to select the teams based on the ranking of the Asia-Pacific and Americas selection 2018. The committee of chefs has approved the selection of the following countries for participation in the final in Lyon:
- Bocuse d'Or Americas: U.S.A, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile.
- Bocuse d'Or Asia Pacific: Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Australia.
These countries have until September 1st to confirm their participation to the Finale.At the I.O.C.’s request and as a sign of encouragement, the Committee of Chefs has also decided to grant the two wildcards for the 2021 final to candidates from the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions that have not been selected. The wildcards will be announced shortly.
BOCUSE D’OR EUROPE AND BOCUSE D’OR AFRICA ARE POSTPONED TO OCTOBER
The I.O.C. has also decided to maintain the Bocuse d'Or Europe but at later date. Initially scheduled to take place on September 3rd and 4th, 2020, it has been postponed to October 15th and 16th, 2020 at Tallinn-Estonia. The decision was taken in concertation with the Estonian authorities and will better guarantee the ability to travel for the different countries.
Finally, Bocuse d’Or Africa, initially scheduled to be held in Marrakesh in June, has been postponed to October 24th and 25th.
These decisions aim to preserve the significant involvement of the candidates who deserve the utmost respect. They will ensure that the grand finales held in Lyon as part of the Sirha, and eagerly awaited by the community of chefs in these unusual times, will be even stronger and relevant.
