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- Call for Applications & Elections
- - How to Become a Candidate
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- Partners
- - Become a Partner
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- RCA Awards
- - Lifetime Achievement Award
- - Past Recipients
- - Pioneer Award
- - Past Recipients
- - Culinology® Expo Product Award
- - Past Recipients
- - New! Outstanding Achievement Awards
- - President's Award
- - Culinology® Innovation Award
- - Other RCA Awards
- Press & News
- Contact
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 Annual Conference.
The deadline to submit 2020 award nominations has passed. Check back soon to learn about 2020 award winners.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has achieved industry-wide recognition, if not mainstream recognition, for their lifetime achievements in Culinology®. To earn this honor, an individual must have significantly influenced the food industry and/or the consumer market through their career. Nominees must be veterans (at least 25 years) in the food industry serving as an inspiration to others in the industry.
2020 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Frank Petersen, CRC®, Product Development Consultant
View Past Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
Pioneer Award
The Pioneer Award 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.
2019 Pioneer Award Recipient
Mario Valdovino, Corporate Executive Chef and Senior Director of Culinary Innovations, Tyson Foods, Inc.
View Past Pioneer Award Recipients
Outstanding Achievement Award
The Outstanding Achievement Award was developed in 2018 to recognize product developers and educators who have demonstrated the ability to apply Culinology® skills in their work while driving innovation.
2020 Outstanding Achievement Award Winner
Eve Lawson, CCS®, Principal Scientist, Seasoning & Flavors Innovation, PepsiCo Frito Lay R&D
View Past Outstanding Achievement Award Recipients
President’s Award
The President's Award is awarded at the discretion of the RCA President, to members whose contributions to the association or industry have made a significant impact.
2020 President's Award Recipient
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View Past President’s Award Recipients
Culinology® Expo Product Award
Attendees of the Culinology® Expo vote on their favorite exhibitor product at the Culinology® Expo, and the winning company is presented with this award. This year, companies can pay an entrance fee to submit an innovative product to be considered for the Culinology® Expo Product Award. 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.
2019 Culinology® Expo Product Award Recipient
Red Arrow
Product: Cherrywood Smoked Sugar
Culinology® Innovation Award
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
Other Historical RCA Awards
Through the years, the RCA has honored several members for their contributions to Culinology®, the RCA and the industry.
