When Swiss precision meets bold culinary creativity, the results are nothing short of spectacular. This spring, Cook’n’Battle returned to the Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (CAAS) for another high-energy edition, bringing together some of the brightest young culinary talents in the country. A proud collaboration between CAAS, Swiss International Air Lines, gategroup, this competition continues to redefine what it means to merge hospitality excellence with innovation.
Held on the picturesque campus of the Culinary Arts Academy in Le Bouveret at the lake of Geneva, the 2025 edition of Cook’n’Battle saw six dynamic teams of two students each go head-to-head in a high-stakes culinary showdown. The brief? Create a showstopping dish that celebrates the best of Swiss produce and could withstand the high standards of first class dining.
The competition’s esteemed judging panel featured leading professionals from both academia and industry — including Hubertus Henning, General Manager of Airport Services and Daniel Dittrich, Executive Chef for Lounges Switzerland at gategroup. Both brought their expert insight and high standards to the evaluation process, ensuring the winning dish could hold its own in the world of premium travel hospitality.
One team ultimately rose to the top with their elegant, seasonal dish titled “Essence of Summer,” a vibrant celebration of locally-sourced ingredients, sophisticated plating, and refined flavour profiles. The judges praised the dish for its balance, originality, and presentation, all essential elements in curating a First Class culinary experience.
But this wasn’t just a win on paper, it’s a moment of real-world impact.
Starting August 1, 2025, Essence of Summer will be featured on the menu of the First Class Lounge at Zurich Airport, and in the SWISS Air Lounges in Terminals A and E. It’s a major milestone, not just for the students, but for a new generation of culinary professionals being trained to think internationally and sustainably.
As part of their prize, the winning team and their instructor will fly into Zurich for a final signoff session on July 7, where they’ll work alongside gategroup chefs and the airline’s lounge team to ensure the dish is perfectly suited to the dining experience.
Cook’n’Battle is more than a competition. It’s a collective initiative rooted in education, excellence, and partnership. Led by CAAS and gategroup, and supported by SWISS Air, the event showcases what’s possible when academia and industry collaborate to nurture the next generation of talent.
As global travelers enjoy a taste of Essence of Summer in Zurich this August, they’ll be savoring the future of Swiss gastronomy, one plate at a time.
About gategroup
gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. For further information, please visit: www.gategroup.com
