Win £5,000 cash with Kraft Heinz and Masters of the Menu 2026

Kraft Heinz has issued a final call for entries for its nationwide culinary competition, Masters of the Menu 2026, with independent chefs across the UK encouraged to submit their recipes before entries close on 31st August 2026.

Returning for a second year following a successful 2025 launch, the competition has expanded for 2026 with a £5,000 cash prize for the winner, an enhanced judging panel including 2025 champion Stefan Sewell, and a new partnership with CORD by Le Cordon Bleu.

Once again partnering with 2018 Great British Menu winner James Cochran and the Craft Guild of Chefs, the competition aims to spotlight the UK’s most exciting independent culinary talent, providing a platform to develop both culinary skills and business potential.

Designed specifically for chefs working in independent operations, Masters of the Menu calls for entrants to develop and submit a recipe using one or more Heinz core products. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to compete with their dish in the first round of the final cook-off. Five finalists will then be chosen to take part in an exclusive two-round cook-off at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, following a period of mentorship from Cochran and other industry professionals. The initiative is designed to nurture not only culinary creativity, but also commercial and operational expertise.

Commenting on the competition, James Cochran said: “If you’ve been thinking about entering, this is your chance. Competitions like Masters of the Menu can open doors – it’s an opportunity to put your food in front of people who genuinely want to champion independent chefs, get honest feedback, build your confidence and make connections that can have a lasting impact on your career. I’d encourage anyone who’s eligible to get their entry in before the deadline.”