TORONTO — Bocuse d’Or Team Canada has pulled out of the 2021 Bocuse d’Or competition, which is set to take place June 2021 in Lyon, France.
Bocuse d’Or Team Canada — comprised of contender chef Samuel Sirois, coaches Alvin Leung and Gilles Herzog and commis Alexy Jetté — has worked to prepare for the competition for the past two years. However, travelling during this turbulent time poses risks that the team can’t justify.
“As leaders in the Canadian foodservice industry, we believe that, at this time, we need to embody the philosophy behind the competition in supporting and strengthening our industry and by shining the spotlight on our gastronomy here at home,” explains Thomas Delannoy, president of Bocuse d’Or Team Canada. “It’s our responsibility to give back to those who have supported us, including chefs, farmers, local producers and brands, especially with the foodservice and hospitality industries being among the most profoundly affected by the pandemic.”
The pandemic has had devastating effects on the Canadian restaurant industry, with more than 10,000 restaurants having closed, and it’s projected that an additional 50 per cent of restaurants will cease operations within the next six months. In response, the team is working with industry leaders, including sponsors, supporters and public institutions, to quickly put in place strategies that will enable local and national gastronomy to thrive.
“Our Canadian Bocuse d’Or family is comprised of more than 500 of the best chefs in the country. Now is the time to put our competitive spirit aside to work together to restore and stabilize our industry in order to ensure its long-term viability and our collective success,” adds Delannoy.
