The government wants to train the next Mbappé of gastronomy

Football in Clairefontaine, rugby in Marcoussis, and French gastronomy will soon have its national center. “It is essential to better identify and support the development of the skills of a new generation of talented chefs,” explains Olivia Grégoire, Minister Delegate in charge of Trade and Tourism, eager to detect the next Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Dupont des fourneaux. She bitterly regrets that France is “not always represented in all world culinary competitions” and does not always hold its place when this is the case. Since France's reputation is not enough, the government is launching a strategy to “promote French haute cuisine”. This involves the creation of a national center for gastronomy and food professions. Like high-level athletes, the most promising elements will benefit from “training and preparation courses for international competitions for French teams in gastronomy professions”, specifies the government, which seems to be hungry for medals.

Also read: Olivia Grégoire: “French haute cuisine cannot rest on its laurels”

This system will see the light of day in the form of a public interest group (GIP). Public and private partners will develop a “unique” project, because all food and service professions will be represented. This collective project also aims to develop “hybridization between professions and innovation”. The convention establishing the GIP, the choice of competitions for which this national center will prepare talents and the constitution of “hopeful” teams should be decided before the end of 2024.