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.

New for 2019 - Outstanding Achievement Awards

The Outstanding Achievement Awards were newly developed to recognize product developers and educators in the area of Culinology^®. Categories include: Product Development for Retail, Product Development for Food Science, and Culinology® Education.

The submission deadline was December 14, 2018.

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.

The submission deadline was December 14, 2018.

2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Dolf DeRovira, Flavor Dynamics, Inc.

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.

The submission deadline was December 14, 2018.

2018 Pioneer Award Recipient

Thomas W.J. Dickhans, Hormel Foods Corporate Services , LLC

View Past Pioneer Award Recipients

 
 

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.

2018 President's Award Recipients

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 the Culinology^® Expo Product Award.

Submit Nomination

The submission deadline is January 31, 2019.

2018 Culinology^® Expo Product Award Recipient

Black Boar Truffle
Product: Beau Truffe, a Black Truffle Savory Seasoning

View Past Recipients

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

View Past Recipients

Other Historical RCA Awards

Through the years, the RCA has honored several members for their contributions to Culinology^®, the RCA and the industry.

View Past Recipients