VKD awards Laurentius

LEIPZIG. A spectacular view of the lights of Leipzig and chef training in the spotlight: on Sunday, 29 September 2024, around 100 guests were present at "Felix" when the German Chefs' Association (VKD) presented this year's Laurentius Award. "We see this award as a sign of appreciation for all those who put their heart and soul into the culinary profession and training," said VKD President Daniel Schade at the award ceremony. After an inspiring evening including a lecture by Prof. Dr Matzerath from TU Dresden, a greeting from Saxony's Minister of State Barbara Klepsch and a talk with star chef and Laurentius mentor Alexander Herrmann, the award winners were announced. The winners of Laurentius 2024 are Klaus Hassenpflug from Swiss Life AG Casino in Garching, Marvin Luft from GDA Schwiecheldthaus in Goslar, Marian Schneider from gastroevents in Ulm and Rolf Straubinger from Burghotel und Restaurant Staufeneck in Salach. The main prize for all winners is a culinary trip to Lake Constance from VKD gold sponsor Hügli. They can also look forward to a certificate, a trophy, a chef's jacket, a plate from RAK Porcelain and a voucher from Wiberg for a spice seminar.

Dedication and commitment to the next generation of chefs

The award ceremony in Leipzig was dedicated to those who are helping to shape the future of the catering industry with great passion. The ten Laurentius nominees have a total of 210 years of training experience under their belts. "They have been demonstrating their craft and skills in the kitchen for many years. Above all, however, they are characterised by their dedication and tireless commitment to chef training," says Daniel Schade about the Laurentius nominees. "Trainers like them are the backbone of our young professionals. With their daily work, they make a significant contribution to ensuring and further developing the high standards of our industry. Above all, this requires well-trained specialists."

Good training in award-winning kitchens and GV

The VKD presented the training award for the second time since 2023. Chefs from all over Germany applied for the Laurentius 2024, and the jury headed by Chairman Joachim Elflein nominated ten of them for the final round. "They all share a love of the culinary profession," says the VKD Vice President. "The nominees' great personal commitment to the next generation of chefs goes above and beyond the call of duty. This became very clear during the jury visits - both in Michelin-starred and community catering." Strong partners made the journey to the award ceremony at Felix possible. "We would like to thank Chefs Culinar and Rentenbank, as well as the companies Hubensack, Friesenkrone, GDA, Hügli, RAK and Winterhalter," says Joachim Elflein. "The renewed commitment to our award is not a matter of course and we very much appreciate the support."

True to the motto "the third time's a charm", one thing is already certain: next year, the Laurentius will go into the next round. When and how trainers can apply will be communicated on the VKD channels in the coming months.

At a glance: Laurentius 2024
Winner

• Klaus Hassenpflug | Swiss Life AG Casino Garching, Garching
• Marvin Luft | GDA Schwiecheldthaus, Goslar
• Marian Schneider | gastroevents GmbH & Co KG, Ulm
• Rolf Straubinger | Burghotel und Restaurant Staufeneck GmbH & Co KG, Salach

Nominees

• Stefan Danzer | Romantik Hotel Achterdiek, Juist
• Mario Furlanello | Bornheimer Ratskeller, Frankfurt am Main
• Frank Müller | Gasthaus Müller, Barsinghausen
• Daniel Schmitt | Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Mainz
• Thomas Schultz | Berliner Wasserbetriebe, Berlin
• Johannes Schulz-Mothes | Bonvivant Cocktail Bistro, Berlin

Jury
Joachim Elflein (Chairman), Marketa Schellenberg, Kurt Henkensmeier, Michael Schneider, Mark-Erich Volker