Bangkok final coincides with culinary education pact

Three Thai chefs competed in the final of the Australian Fruits Recipe Competition in Bangkok on 15 September 2026, as Avocados Australia and Dusit Thani College signed a memorandum of understanding on culinary education.

The event took place at Dusit Thani College’s Bangkok campus. It brought together emerging Thai chefs, Australian horticulture representatives and government officials around dishes using Australian avocados, table grapes and summerfruit.

Organisers shortlisted 10 recipes before selecting three finalists. Chef Audra Morrice reviewed the finalists, who started cooking live from 10:00 am before tasting, judging and individual presentations.

Judges assessed balance, technique, originality and how well each chef understood and used the featured Australian fruits. The winner was announced in a ceremony scheduled from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

Apichaya Pubyom won first place. Nattawat Theeraloetphanit finished second, while Chereen Sukphat placed third.

Dusit Thani College signs MOU

During the event, Avocados Australia and Dusit Thani College signed an MOU to formalise their relationship and set up ongoing cooperation in culinary education, ingredient knowledge and training.

Dr Atthawet Prougestaporn, rector of Dusit Thani College, signed for the college. Brad Rodgers, a West Australian avocado grower and director of Avocados Australia, signed for the industry body. Australian ambassador to Thailand Pablo Kang witnessed the signing.

Rodgers said, “Working with Dusit Thani College gives us an opportunity to build capability with the next generation of chefs and deepen their understanding of Australian avocados.”

The competition forms part of the Australian Fruits Culinary Programme, a regional initiative linking Australian horticulture industries, culinary institutions and emerging chefs across Southeast Asia.

That programme combines culinary training, recipe competitions and industry engagement. It aims to build product knowledge, encourage locally relevant menu uses and strengthen long-term links between Australian growers and the region’s culinary community.

Before the final, the contestants joined training on handling, ripeness, storage, preparation and menu applications for Australian fruit. Organisers designed that training to build product understanding before the chefs developed dishes in the kitchen.

The programme has support from the ASEAN-Australia Centre and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, known as Austrade. Avocados Australia delivers it with the Australian Table Grape Association, Summerfruit Australia and regional education partners.

Kang said the competition brought together education, industry and emerging culinary talent. The source organisation did not disclose the term of the new MOU or when joint training under the agreement will begin.