Makro to Hold Eastern Region Chef Contest Ahead of National Food Festival Final

CP Axtra Public Company Limited, operator of the Makro wholesale business, wrapped up the regional selection round of Makro HORECA Champion 2026 for the Southern region on 8 to 9 October 2026 at Makro Surat Thani. The event brought together outstanding professionals from the food and beverage industry to find representatives to compete at the national level. The atmosphere was lively, with competitors showcasing local stories through high-quality ingredients.

Competition Results and the South's Top Talents

The Southern regional round was divided into several categories, each producing a winner ready to advance to the national stage. In the Junior Chef category, the champion was Winai Anchuay, who showcased his skills with a steamed seabass curry parcel filled with steamed fish, paired with seabass mousse. The runner-up was Chanisara Sudsa-art, who presented a Thai-style khao mok rice dish. In the Professional Chef category, the champion was Eknarin In-ong, with a pork neck mousse served with Massaman sauce, while the runner-up was Akkaradet Khunsuyinu, with a green curry fried rice with salmon.

In the Mixologist category, the champion was Kanita Witoonphan, with a drink named "Rap Khwan Lae Riang Roi" (Welcome and Weave Together), while the runner-up award went to Phuripat Buaphan, with a drink named "A Beautiful Memory and Khon". All entries were judged to international standards certified by Worldchefs, with the panel carefully considering taste, cooking technique, creativity and efficient use of ingredients.

Preparing for the National Final

This project was developed to give people in the hotel, restaurant and catering business, known as HoReCa, a platform to showcase their talent to the public. Makro HORECA Champion 2026 has now reached its final stretch, with the last regional round set to be held in the Eastern region on 15 to 16 October 2026 at Makro Rayong. The event will feature a range of special activities, including cooking demonstrations by professional chefs, activities from Makro PRO, as well as Flash Sale promotions and a Lucky Draw for prizes.

Once representatives from every region have been selected, all 50 top talents will go on to compete against each other in the national final. This key competition will be held as part of Thailand's 19th Food Festival, or Food Business Expo, scheduled for late October. Those interested can follow updates via the brand's social media channels or watch highlights afterwards via its online video channel.

This event and competition will be of great interest to hotel professionals, restaurant operators and event organisers looking to stay updated on new trends in the industry. It will also appeal to the general public interested in gastronomy and keen to see Thailand's food industry develop on the international stage.