The Gamechanging Producers, sponsored by Choco, from the 50 Next Class of 2022 recognise that successful gastronomy goes beyond pristine ingredients turned into beautiful dishes. By re-examining our food’s journey from seed to service, these eight young people are shaking up global food systems. Read on to discover their hot tips for planet-friendly production
Dharath ‘Tot’ Hoonchamlong
(images: Ashley Scheideberg and Little Pea)
Age: 29
Based in: Bangkok
Who is he? The zero-waste educator rethinking the drinks business from Bangkok
How would you advise young people looking to make a difference in the gastronomic industry?
“Keep your head and heart open so you can learn from elders, people of all cultures and seasoned producers with traditional knowledge. As we become more aware of sustainable production, our next big challenge will be how small initiatives, producers and advocates can connect, share knowledge and support each other.”
Read more about Dharath's project, Wasteland, the bar focussed on waste reduction
Follow Dharath: @totliketatertots
Martin Texier
(images: Martin and Alice Texier)
Age: 32
Based in: Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban
Who is he? The low-intervention French winemaker promoting artisanal values
What is your mission?
“I am fighting to ensure that wine remains a farming product. I think a wine grower's job isn't only to produce wine, but also to cherish his vines and land. Brézème and Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban have unique terroirs and I try to work as simply as possible. It’s our mission to maintain France’s wine, its diversity and to support small producers.”
Read more about Martin’s winemaking in Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban, France
Follow Martin: @martin.texier
Jessica Fong
Age: 32
Based in: Hong Kong
Who is she? The vertical farming advocate feeding Hong Kong with fresh local produce
What philosophy guides your work?
“We aspire to see a city like Hong Kong having a food industry interconnected with production. To do that, we need transparent communication and patience – because quality takes time, and most importantly, we need to respect nature. Plants have certain ways of doing things and we need to remember that.”
Read more about Jessica’s goal to grow fresh, high-quality, pesticide-free food in Hong Kong
Follow Jessica: @jessicanaomifong
Pol Contreras Vilapriñó
(images: Pepe Camps and Pol Contreras Vilapriñó)
Age: 36
Based in: Ezcaray
Who is he? The multi-talented cooking professional unlocking the secrets of chocolate
Who inspires you to work sustainably with chocolate?
“I’m inspired by Ferran Adrià and his team at El Bulli. They have changed the rules of gastronomy after 400 years of French domination. I want add value to the ‘bean to bar’ movement by changing the rules of the game – pushing its limits and breaking patterns. The future of the chocolate sector is exciting. I think it will be increasingly broad, with a boom of small artisans innovating in ways that we have not yet imagined.”
Read more about Pol’s development of new cacao products with Chocolates Pol Contreras
Follow Pol: @patissierpol
Rosanna Gahler
(images: Emanuel Finckenstein)
Age: 25
Based in: Alt Madlitz
Who is she? The German researcher finding solutions for regenerative farming
What makes your production process unique?
“Our approach to agroforestry is defined by the phrase ‘beyond farming’. We try to show that a farm does more than create a product: we work holistically, we use our land multi-functionally and we protect ecosystems. Our team deeply believes that humans are part of nature and can use the environment and intelligently improve it at the same time.”
Read more about Rosanna’s focus on e-generative farming in Germany
Follow Rosanna: @rosaagala
Yu Hsuan Cheng
(images: Yao Wen Chih and Yu Hsuan Cheng)
Age: 34
Based in: Taipei
Who is he? The inspired chocolatier bringing Taiwanese flavours to the world
What challenges do you face in the industry today?
“I think the challenge is how to shut out the noise and stay true to oneself. We need to invest our energy in what truly takes our profession forward, not in what draws quick attention. I’m inspired by the French pastry chef Pierre Hermé and his boldness in exploring undiscovered combinations. That’s something I always keep in mind when creating new flavours.”
Read more about Yu’s project, Yu Chocolatier, and his pioneering work with chocolate and pastry
Follow Yu: @yu.hsuan.cheng
Rahaf Allymoni
Age: 29
Based in: Amsterdam
Who is she? The Syrian innovator turning waste into the next coffee alternative
How does the developing environmental crisis affect your industry?
“For me, each day is full of new challenges, especially when it comes to the environment, so I always need patience and the ability to adapt to change. I believe there will be new revelations in the coffee sector that will come from climate crisis, and we need to work hard to make sure that date plants, which we use as a substitute to coffee, are still readily available.”
Read more about Rahaf’s search for a top-quality alternative to coffee
Follow Rahaf: @rahafallymoni
Corrado Paternò Castello
(images courtesy of Boniviri)
Age: 30
Based in: Catania
Who is he? The Italian entrepreneur championing sustainable small producers
What does it mean for you to be part of the 50 Next Class of 2022?
“For me, being part of the 50 Next Class of 2022 is a way of saying, 'we are on the right track and it's crucial for us to continue'. It is our responsibility to generate even more value for the farms we work with, seek new solutions to social and environmental challenges, and create eco-friendly, healthy and quality products.
I also feel proud. Together with my colleagues, Sergio, Alessandra, Davide and Lorenzo, I am convinced that the energy generated by this award will help us on our road.”
Read more about Corrado’s project, Bonviri, and his support of sustainable local producers across Italy
Follow Corrado: @boniviribenefit
The 50 Next Class of 2022 was announced at a live awards ceremony in Bilbao, Spain, on Friday 24th June 2022 – meet this group of young, talented individuals on the 50 Next website. To stay up to date with all the news and announcements, browse the website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
