RCA Awards

Every year the Research Chefs Association pays tribute to the most accomplished, deserving professionals in the food product development industry.

These individuals are recognized during an Awards Ceremony that takes place during the RCA Conference.

Lifetime
Achievement
Award

 Pioneer in Culinology®: A person or persons who, through their own lifetime achievements, has become a recognized leader in the food industry utilizing the practice of combining culinary craftsmanship and food science.

The RCA Pioneer Award is presented to a member who has become recognized as a leader in the food industry.

Eligibility Requirements

All nominees must meet the following criteria and guidelines to be considered as a potential candidate for the RCA Pioneer Award.

 Individual must be a current RCA member.

Individual must have become recognized as a leader in the food industry through their own lifetime achievements, utilizing the practice of combining culinary craftsmanship and food science (applied the discipline/concept of Culinology®), for at least 10 years.

Nominee’s influence must be apparent throughout the food industry, including in education and standard practices.

The RCA Pioneer Award will be presented at the 2021 RCA COnference during the Awards reception, which will be covered by the press. The winner/winner’s representative must grant RCA permission to publicize their receipt of the award in subsequent press releases and other RCA-related printed materials. Upon request, photos will be available for the award winner.

How to Apply

2021 award nominations will open later this year.

Once submissions are open, an independent panel of judges will review the nominations and select the finalists based on the entry criteria.

Please reach out to info@culinology.org with any questions regarding the awards programs or nominations process.

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Past Recipients

*The RCA Lifetime Achievement Award was not presented in 2014 or 2015.

RCA Pioneer Award Recipients

Is awarded to an individual who has, through their own achievements, become recognized as a leader in the food industry utilizing the practice of combining culinary craftsmanship and food science (applied the discipline/concept of Culinology®) for at least 10 years. Nominee’s influence must be apparent throughout the food industry, including in education and standard practices.

Past Recipients

RCA Culinology® Expo Product Award

The Culinology® Expo Product Award recognizes and promotes innovative products in the food industry. Introduce a new product, build your company’s brand and drive traffic to your booth with this program.

How It Works

New in 2020, companies can pay an entrance fee to submit an innovative product to be considered for the Expo Product Award. This year, attendees will be required to visit all participating booths and will submit their vote before the close of the Expo. The winner will be announced during Conference. If you are interested, please contact Andrew Haigh at ahaigh@culinology.org.

 Before the Conference

Products will be promoted in an email blast to all registered attendees, announcing your participation and describing your innovative product or service. Each listing will include company name and booth number as well as the product/service name, a 50-word description and key features.

At RCA Conference

Product Award Participant signage placed in your booth

Highlight in the conference programs having a product up for the award

Voting will take place at the RCA membership booth at The RCA Conference

Please reach out to info@culinology.org with any questions regarding the awards programs or nominations process.

Culinology® Expo
Product Award
Recipients

Attendees of the Culinology® Expo vote on their favorite exhibitor product at the Culinology® Expo, and the winning company is presented with this award.

Past Recipients

RCA Outstanding Achievement Award

The Research Chefs Association (RCA) Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes food industry professionals and educators for their accomplishments in research and product development.

Award Description and Criteria

The RCA Outstanding Achievement Award is awarded to a working food industry professional whose achievements in research and development* have demonstrated the application of Culinology skills, innovative and progressive thinking, and whose successes have served as an inspiration to industry professionals or students.

 Individual must be a current RCA member.

Accomplishment must span the 24-month period, December 2017 – present.

Culinology educators will be considered for the achievements in progressing Culinology degree programs.

2021 award nominations will open later this year.

Past Recipients

RCA President’s
Award Recipients

Is awarded at the discretion of the RCA President, to members whose contributions to the association or industry have made a significant impact.

Past Recipients

Culinology®
Innovation Award
Recipients

 Is awarded to an individual or team for exceeding expectations in the development of a new and innovative product or product line, to acknowledge excellence in three categories:

 Retail Innovation

Food Service Innovation and/or

Functional Ingredient Innovation

Past Recipients

Other RCA Awards

Past Recipients