Press release “People who shape the culinary profession”: VKD awards the Laurentius 2026

Frankfurt am Main/Oberursel, November 2026 – They impart knowledge, nurture talent and pass on their enthusiasm for the culinary profession to the next generation: With the Laurentius 2026 awards ceremony at the elaya hotel oberursel on 8 November 2026, the German Chefs’ Association (VKD) (VKD) once again shines a spotlight on those who are particularly committed to training young chefs. At the fourth Laurentius 2026 awards ceremony, more than 90 guests gathered in Oberursel to celebrate the dedication of the nine nominees from across Germany – including, for the first time, specialist teachers from vocational colleges. “When we look back on our own training, we often remember not only what we learnt, but above all the people from whom we learnt it,” said VKD Executive Committee member and jury chairman Joachim Elflein at the opening of the event. Words of appreciation for the nominees also came from Laurentius mentor and TV chef Johann Lafer, as well as from the Laurentius Advanced partners Chefs Culinar and Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank.

Training takes place in many different settings

Whether in the restaurant trade, the hotel industry, institutional catering or at vocational colleges – the nine nominees demonstrate just how diverse and dedicated the promotion of young talent in the culinary profession is. For the first time this year, specialist teachers were among the contenders for the Laurentius 2026 award alongside in-company trainers. This is an important sign that good training takes place in many different settings and thrives on the collaboration between various stakeholders. “You not only impart specialist knowledge and practical skills, but also give young people self-confidence, guidance and a passion for our profession,” emphasised Joachim Elflein.

The Laurentius 2026 award winners

The highlight of the evening was the ceremonial announcement of the five winners, who were presented with the Laurentius 2026 award to thunderous applause: Raul Arndt from the studierendenWERK at the canteen of the Berlin University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, Matthias Fuchs from the Municipal Vocational School for the Hotel, Catering and Brewing Industries in Munich, Uwe Schüttler from the Carl-Severing Vocational College in Bielefeld, Andreas Schwarzer from the Fleckenbühler gemeinnütziger und mildtätiger e. V. in Cölbe; and Marco Wenzler from Alois Dallmayr KG in Munich. They all impressed the jury with their exceptional commitment to the next generation of professionals. In addition to the award, the winners can look forward to attractive prizes, made possible thanks to the support of the Laurentius Basic partners: a culinary trip to Lake Constance courtesy of Hügli, as well as further training vouchers worth 1,000 euros each from the German Hotel Academy (DHA). The prize package is rounded off with a certificate, a trophy, a chef’s jacket, a pocket knife from VKD Gold Sponsor Victorinox, and a plate specially designed for the Laurentius 2026 by VKD Premium Sponsor RAK. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the other Laurentius Basic partners – Dynamic, Friesenkrone and Winterhalter – as well as to all the supporters who made the awards ceremony and these attractive prizes possible.