Fourth Annual SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners Chef Splendido Contest Supports Aspiring Hispanic Culinary Talent, Opens Call for Entries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hispanics are the largest minority within the culinary workforce with more than half — 54 percent — working as cooks and food preparers. Yet, less than 20 percent hold executive chef positions. To help support and develop new talent in the professional culinary sector, McNeil Nutritionals, LLC — worldwide marketer of SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners — today announced the opening of a call for entries for the fourth annual Chef Splendido Contest, a national search dedicated to showcasing aspiring Hispanic and bi-lingual (English/Spanish speaking) culinary talent.

The Chef Splendido contest recognizes up and coming Hispanic and
bi-lingual (English/Spanish speaking) talent with a passion for healthy, Latino cuisine. In addition, the contest yields reduced calorie alternatives with less sugar to traditional Latino dishes that do not sacrifice taste, especially given the high Hispanic incidence of obesity and diabetes. A new partnership with The Spanish Speaking Chef’s Association of America, an organization whose goal is to support young Latinos interested in pursing careers in culinary arts, will broaden the talent search and encourage current and recent culinary graduates to participate in the contest.

“The Hispanic community is key to the make-up of the culinary workforce, yet the majority of roles fall within the service-oriented sector due to barriers - such as language and education,” said Chef Rafael Palomino, Executive Chef and founder of The Spanish Speaking Chef’s Association of America. “With the large number of Hispanic talent in the industry, it is important to encourage and support aspiring chefs to participate in programs like Chef Splendido that help them further their careers while learning how to create reduced calorie options with less sugar for traditional Latino cuisine.”

To enter, participants create a Latino-inspired dessert using SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners and compete for an opportunity to win $5,000 in cash. In addition, the winner receives a mentorship opportunity with a nationally recognized Hispanic chef associated with the Spanish-Speaking Chefs Association. Contest rules, regulations and deadlines available at www.SplendaEnEspanol.com . “*

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