Årers Ekokock 2024, organised by Ekomatcentrum, returns after eight years to the Nordic regions largest certified organic trade event: Nordic Organic Food Fair, on 9-10 October at KistaMässan, Stockholm, Sweden. The fair is a proud sponsor of this years competition, which highlights sustainable gastronomy, innovation and the importance of promoting a circular economy within the industry.
“Årets Ekokock represents a significant step forward for sustainable gastronomy. Here, we will celebrate incredibly skilled chefs who not only set the standard for sustainable cooking but also demonstrate the remarkable possibilities when we take a holistic and circular approach to ingredients. It’s time for sustainability to become an integral part of our culinary practices,” says Ted Wendt from Ekomatcentrum.
Sustainable Gastronomy and Circular Economy
This year’s competition centers on the theme of circular economy, challenging finalists to showcase their ability to cook sustainably and with a focus on optimising resources. A new feature is the inclusion of game meat in the dishes, encouraging chefs to use it as a sustainable alternative, highlighting its nutritional density, lower agricultural impact, and contribution to a balanced ecosystem.
The ingredients are locally sourced (most are produced within a 250-kilometer radius) and so, for the first time, the producers providing the ingredients will be present at the show to share their stories.
Meet the finalists competing for the Master title
This year’s finalists are four previous winners of Årets Ekokock, competing for the title of Master Chef. They are seasoned and recognised chefs from different parts of the country, each with a shared vision of sustainable cooking, but with their own unique interpretations. The final will take place on 10 October at the Nordic Organic Food Fair in Stockholm, Sweden.
Jonas Alvin, Linköping. Årets Ekokock 2017
Jonas has had an impressive journey from Vimmerby to star restaurants like Wd50 in New York and Matthias Dahlgren in Stockholm. Since 2015, he has been the head chef and co-owner at Stångs Magasin in Linköping, where he collaborates with local organic farmers to use the best ingredients.
Johan Tyrén, Borås. Årets Ekokock 2023
With over 25 years of culinary experience, Johan has been running Gastronomi Elva in Borås since 2007, which became KRAV-certified in 2017. With a background in prestigious restaurants like Aquavit in New York under Marcus Samuelsson, Johan has a strong passion for sustainable cooking.
Viktor Arabzadeh, Göteborg. Årets Ekokock 2016
Viktor was a finalist in Årets Unga Kock (Young Chef of the Year) and runner-up in Nordic Organic Chef of the Year. He has worked at Upper House in Gothenburg, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and is now head chef at Restaurant C in the Brynstålet group, focusing on sustainable cooking methods.
Jonas Karlsson, Visby. Årets Ekokock 2019
A prominent chef from Visby, Gotland, Jonas has a strong focus on organic and sustainable cooking. He was a finalist in Årets Kock 2016 and currently works at Växthuset Linds in Visby, developing sustainable cooking methods and offering private dining experiences. His work is characterized by a commitment to a circular economy and the use of organic ingredients.
Register for a free trade ticket
The Nordic Organic Food Fair is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for sustainable retail and foodservice. Heading to Stockholm for the first time on 9-10 October, the show will take place at Kistamässan, Sweden. For more information and to register, please visit www.nordicorganicexpo.com.