The inaugural list of 50 Next, which will celebrate the young people shaping the future of gastronomy, is all set to be revealed on 20th April. Today, we’re giving you sneak peek at the categories and type of person to expect
50 Best is back with a new list, but this time, it’s personal. 50 Next isn’t another ranking of banging restaurants or bars, but rather our first (unranked) list of people who are making things happen today. With our Academic Partner Basque Culinary Center, we have been researching, debating and uncovering the stories behind seismic change in the food and drink world and we are ready to celebrate the young people behind them.
If you were following our socials late last year, you’ll already be pretty au fait with how it’s going to work. Hell, you may have even applied to be a part of it yourself, but after hundreds of awesome applications and nominations, we have whittled it down to 50 people from 35 countries across six continents that are shaking up every element of gastronomy. Here’s how we’re divvying it all up ready for release on 20th April.
Category #1
Gamechanging Producers
The farmers, artisans and makers powering the supply chain in innovative ways
The type of person it might be…
- A young coffee farmer in Ethiopia who has set up a cooperative to empower women to make a better income for their families
- An independent cattle farmer in Brazil who has developed ways to raise livestock while reducing environmental impact
Category #2
Tech Disruptors
Bright sparks using technology to solve food-and-drink world problems
The type of person it might be…
- An entrepreneur in Poland who has found a way to reduce plastic use in restaurants, bars and hotels
- An original thinker and disrupter in Northern Ireland who has created a mechanism to redirect food waste from supermarkets and restaurants to the hungry
Category #3
Empowering Educators
The creative minds transforming society through food-led learning and development
The type of person it might be…
- A primary school teacher in Ghana educating young children on nutrition and positive, sustainable agriculture
- A university professor in Scotland who is helping to create meaningful employment models in the hospitality sector for disadvantaged people
Category #4
Entrepreneurial Creatives
Visionary thinkers blending art, culture and culinary creativity
The type of person it might be…
- An investigative journalist in Argentina who has uncovered valuable information affecting the future of agribusiness
- An artist in Zimbabwe who has created an exhibition to help expose flaws in our food and drink systems
Category #5
Science Innovators
Biologists, engineers and inventors developing unique solutions for the culinary world
The type of person it might be…
- A young scientist in China who has developed a healthy way to create foods using less sugar and salt
- An inventor of protein replacements for the fast-growing vegan market in Canada
Category #6
Hospitality Pioneers
Chefs, bartenders and R&D wizards at the forefront of change in dining and drinking
The type of person it might be…
- A sommelier in Georgia educating restaurants and wine bars on new and surprising approaches to wine pairing
- A zero-waste bartender in Chile who has found novel ways to create sustainable cocktails or spirits
Category #7
Trailblazing Activists
The society shapers pushing for equality, diversity and positive action in gastronomy
The type of person it might be…
- A young NGO founder in Thailand with a game-changing approach to tackling the world’s hunger problems
- An activist in India campaigning for concrete changes that will help reduce climate change and protect the future of food
Sound good? Great. We’re very excited about it. Stay tuned to our socials on 20th April and meet the Class of 2021 yourself. Then prepare for the first 50 Next event, which will take place in Bizkaia, Basque Country, 50 Next’s Destination Partner, when it is safe to do so.
Keen to learn more? Watch this video that explains exactly what 50 Next is about:
The first 50 Next list will be announced on 20th April. Stay tuned to the 50 Best Instagram account to watch the live reveal.
