James Cochran partners with Kraft Heinz for launch of new culinary competition

Kraft Heinz has partnered with James Cochran and the Craft Guild of Chefs to launch Masters of the Menu - its first-ever nationwide culinary competition for independent chefs and operators.

The competition will give five talented chefs the chance to receive one-on-one mentorship from 2018 Great British Menu winner James, developing their business acumen and culinary skill before competing in an intimate two-round cook-off for the ultimate culinary crown - Masters of the Menu champion.

The overall winner will receive £2,000 worth of Heinz product to support their operator, a cash prize of £2,000, the chance to co-host an exclusive supper club with James, and national PR exposure.

Plus, by simply entering, all eligible individuals will be placed into a prize draw for the chance to win £100 in cash.

Tom Franklin, director of foodservice at Kraft Heinz, said: “At its core, Masters of the Menu is more than just a culinary competition, it’s a way to champion dedicated chefs from smaller operations and help build their profile within the industry.

“We’re thrilled to be working with James, his dynamic energy and culinary aptitude aligns perfectly with the Kraft Heinz brand and its host foods. His experience in running his own restaurants and developing new business concepts makes him an ideal mentor for independent operators, not only from a culinary perspective but from an operational perspective.”

James said: “It’s a real privilege to share what I’ve learned after more than a decade in the culinary industry. I owe so much of my career to the incredible mentorship and opportunities I received along the way.

“That’s why this competition with Kraft Heinz means so much to me - it’s a chance to give back to the industry that shaped me. I’m excited to see the amazing talent out there and hope I can play even a small part in helping it grow.”

How to enter

To enter for a chance to compete in Masters of the Menu, individuals will need to develop and submit a recipe using one or more Heinz core products. Successful entrants will compete with this dish in the first round of the final cook off.

The competition is open to any chef resident in the United Kingdom, aged 18 or over and working for an independent operator (independently owned with four or fewer locations) currently operating in the United Kingdom.

Entries are now open and close on October 2, 2025, with more details available here.