Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an RCA member who is a recognized leader in the food industry utilizing the practice of combining culinary craftsmanship and food science.

Eligibility Requirements

Individual must be a current RCA member.
Individual must have become recognized as a leader in the industry through achievements utilizing Culinology® for at least 10 years.
Nominee's influence must be apparent throughout the food industry, including in education and standard practices.

The RCA Lifetime Achievement Award was not presented in 2014, 2015, or 2023.

Past Recipients

2025
Dianna Fricke, CRC, CWPC
J.R. Simplot Company

Eric Koyama
King's Hawaiian
2024
Charlie Baggs
Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations
2022
Hadley Katzenbach
Southeastern Mills
2021
Susanna Tolini, CRC®
Kayem Foods, Inc.
2020
Frank Petersen, CRC®
Product Development Consultant
2019
Mark Crowell, CRC®
Culinex, LLC
2018
Dolf DeRovira
Flavor Dynamics, Inc.
2017
Michael Joy
Park 100 Foods
2016*
Jeff Cousminer
2013
Chef John D. Folse
2012
Michael Holleman
InHarvest
2010
Dr. Jerald Chesser, CEC, FMP, CCE, AAC

The Collins College of Hospitality Management
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
2009
Nick Spinelli, Jr., CEC
Kraft Foods Global
2008
Robert Okura
The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.
2007
Michael Minor
Custom Culinary
2005
Paul Prudhomme
Magic Seasoning Blends
2004
Jacques Pepin
Chef and Author

Explore Our Awards

RCA Pioneer Award

Honoring pioneers who have shaped the food industry through Culinology

Culinology Expo Product Award

Attendee-voted favorite exhibitor product at the Culinology Expo

Outstanding Achievement Award

Recognizing excellence in R&D and Culinology education

President's Award Recipients

Awarded for significant contributions to the association or industry

Culinology Innovation Award

Excellence in developing innovative products and product lines

Other RCA Awards

Gary Holleman, Founder's, and Leadership Awards