As part of the "Bogota Marcando Estilo" initiative, which seeks to promote the city's business offer in Spanish El Corte Inglés stores, the Bogota Chamber of Commerce and El Corte Inglés are inviting local chefs who want to showcase their talent abroad to apply for the gastronomic contest that will lead them to offer their dishes in the renowned European store chain.

The contest consists of designing a lunch accompanied by a drink, based on local and autochthonous products that, from its ingredients and history about the elaboration of the dish and its ingredients, manages to generate a quality gastronomic experience. This lunch and drink will be the basis of the Colombian gastronomic offer that will be exhibited for a period of one (1) month in the cafeterias of El Corte Inglés in Spain.

Ana María Vargas, chef of Balú restaurant and winner of the last edition, invited the chefs of Bogotá to participate: "We are looking for the best representative of Colombian gastronomy, so that, with their talent, they can show our culture and biodiversity in the stores of El Corte Inglés. I invite you to join the 2022 version, which is full of surprises".

The contest seeks to highlight the importance of the business sector in the city's economy, therefore, participants will be evaluated on their business status, business strategy, business model, business value proposition and quality certifications. The above in order to promote those ventures or businesses that promote the formality of the sector and its competitiveness.

The winner will be awarded with round-trip economy class airfare on the Bogotá - Madrid - Bogotá route for the chef and an assistant, lodging and meals, to participate in the El Corte Inglés gastronomic exhibition on May 18 and in the gastronomic week from May 19 to 23 in Madrid. Also, with the construction of the menu that will be offered in the 99 restaurants of El Corte Inglés in Spain during the month of June, with the R&D team of the restaurant area. The awards ceremony will take place on April 8, 2022 at the AGORA Convention and Events Center.

In addition, El Corte Inglés will award a gastronomic trip to Spain for the winner and a companion valued at €10,000.

Virtual round of food and beverage supply

As part of the same initiative, the Bogota Chamber of Commerce is seeking food and beverage suppliers with export experience and the necessary certificates and licenses to enter the European market, in order to supply these inputs to El Corte Inglés restaurants. Some of the inputs are: table chocolate, couverture chocolate, brownies, panela, brown sugar, arepas, frozen empanadas, wheat flour, fruit pulp, flavored water, craft beer, exotic fruits, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red pepper, among others.

Those interested can find the contest rules here or on the website of the Chamber of Commerce of Bogota, and you have until March 18 to register. You can contact us at erika.rondon@ccb.org.co