RCA Pioneer Award

The RCA Pioneer Award recognizes 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. The nominee's influence must be apparent throughout the food industry, including in education and standard practices.

Past Recipients

2025
Jonathan Griebel
Cargill
2022
Howard Cantor
Fuchs North America

Kimberly Schaub, CCS®
Griffith Foods
2021
John Draz, CEC®, CCE®, CRC®

Ed Miniat
2020
Dennis Girik
Griffith Foods
2019
Mario Valdovino
Tyson Foods, Inc.
2018
Thomas W.J. Dickhans
Hormel Foods Corporate Services, LLC
2017
Craig Bacon
Senior Vice President of Research & Development, Tyson Foods
2016
Mark Crowell
Principal Culinologist, CuliNex
2015
Kevin Anderson
Chef Consultant, Kevin Anderson LLC
2014
Kevin McDermott, CEC
Executive Chef, International Flavors & Fragrances
2013
Stan Frankenthaler
VP of Global Innovation, Dunkin' Brands
2012
Richard Cusick
Barry Callebaut

Eric Sparks
Park 100 Foods, Inc.
2011
Craig "Skip" Julius, CRC, CCS, CEC
Advance Pierre Foods
2010
Michael Lonteen, CEC
Custom Culinary, Inc.
2009
John L. Csukor, Jr.
KOR Food Innovation
2008
Stephen Giunta
Cargill

Christopher Loss, AOS
The Culinary Institute of America
2004
Robert E. Rich
Rich's Foods
2003
Nancy Silverton
Campanile Restaurant and La Brea Bakery
2002
Ben Cohen
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
2001
Michael Minor
Nestle Food Services
2000
Harold McGee
Author

Martin Yan
Chef
1999
Jeff Cousminer
Firmenich, Inc.

John Folse
John Folse & Co.

Ferdinand Metz
The Culinary Institute of America
1998
Graham Kerr
Kerr Corporation

Warren Leruth

Winston Shelton

Explore Our Awards

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Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizing leaders who have applied Culinology for at least 10 years

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Culinology Expo Product Award

Attendee-voted favorite exhibitor product at the Culinology Expo

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Outstanding Achievement Award

Recognizing excellence in R&D and Culinology education

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President's Award Recipients

Awarded for significant contributions to the association or industry

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Culinology Innovation Award

Excellence in developing innovative products and product lines

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Other RCA Awards

Gary Hollemen, Founder's, and Leadership Awards