Makro Unveils 50 Top Chefs and Mixologists for Makro HORECA Champion 2026

CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, operator of the Makro wholesale business, has announced the 50 top food and beverage talents who have qualified for the finals of the Makro HORECA Champion 2026 competition across all five regions, following the conclusion of the final regional qualifier at Makro Rayong on 15 to 16 October 2026. All junior chefs, professional chefs and mixologists will advance to the national championship stage at Makro HORECA, the 19th Thailand Food Business Expo, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani from 29 October to 1 November 2026.

The Makro HORECA Champion competition uses judging standards certified by Worldchefs, providing a platform for the new generation in the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors to showcase their skills across three competition categories. The judges score entries ranging from taste, cooking techniques and creativity to the presentation of dishes and drinks. Makro believes that strengthening the Thai food industry must begin with developing people, and aims to connect talented individuals with quality ingredients and Makro's business network over the long term.

Eastern Regional Round Results: The Final Qualifier Before the Championship

At Makro Rayong, in the junior chef category, first prize went to Benyapha Wichitbanhan for her dish of baked rice with smoked prawn tomalley and crispy noodles in Pad Thai sauce. In the professional chef category, Saran Thatwisai claimed victory with Thai basil beef mousse stuffed in saba mackerel, served with Panang curry espuma sauce and coconut milk foam. In the mixologist category, Thanakorn Thapchali won first place with his drink, The Welcome Table, which uses fish sauce as its main ingredient.

Outside the competition arena, the event also featured a cooking show by Chef Bew Phutecho, a session sharing ingredient management techniques by Chef Bas Wattanasak, and a mixology show by Yo Korkuea, alongside activities from Makro PRO and Chef's Club by makro.

The 5 Regional Qualifiers Nationwide Leading to the 50 Finalists

Prior to the Eastern regional round, the competition began at Makro Chaengwattana, where Phattharathon Phetwichit became the junior champion, Theeradon Saengor was named professional champion, and Kalyani Phutthayano won the mixologist title. Next, at Makro Chiang Mai, Fahsai Saengkham claimed the junior title, Phisutthikul Bunmi won the professional category, and Natthanicha Phanit won the beverage category.

Continuing at Makro Khon Kaen, Chutharat Saraban took the junior champion title, Aphisit Chitprasong became the professional champion, and Thasali Bunmongkhon was named mixologist champion. The Southern regional round concluded at Makro Surat Thani, with Winai Anchuai winning the junior title, Eknarin In-ong taking the professional title, and Khanita Withunphan winning the mixologist title, before all 50 finalists gather at the main arena this month.

This news is worth following for hotel and restaurant professionals looking to see the skills and new menu ideas of emerging chefs from across the country, as well as food event organisers and catering operators seeking networks of talent in the HoReCa industry. Members of the general public who enjoy food tasting and watching competitions can also attend and cheer on the competitors at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani at the end of this month.