Lactalis Canada Foodservice Partners with Chefs Canada as Official Team Canada Sponsor at the Prestigious Bocuse d’Or Competition
April 22, 2026 – Toronto, Ontario – Lactalis Canada Foodservice, a division of Canadian dairy leader Lactalis Canada, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Chefs Canada as an Official Sponsor of Team Canada for the legendary Bocuse d’Or competition. Often referred to as the Olympic Games of gastronomy, the Bocuse d’Or is a prestigious culinary competition held every two years, bringing together 24 of the world’s top chefs in Lyon, France, to compete for the profession’s highest honour.
This partnership aims to support the culinary excellence of Team Canada as they compete on the global stage, showcasing Canadian talent, creativity, and gastronomic innovation at one of the world’s most respected culinary events. It reflects a shared commitment to elevating Canadian cuisine and empowering the country’s top culinary talent with the high-quality dairy ingredients they need to perform at the highest level.
“Lactalis Canada is incredibly proud to support Team Canada on their Bocuse d’Or journey,” said Iven Zanardo, General Manager, Foodservice & Ingredients at Lactalis Canada. “Canada’s culinary leaders continue to break boundaries and gain international recognition, and to do so, they rely on the highest quality ingredients. We’re honoured to play a role in their creative process, and this partnership reflects our shared belief in showcasing the quality and craftsmanship behind Canadian cuisine on the world stage.”
“Thank you to Lactalis Canada Foodservice for their sponsorship of Team Canada. Their assistance helps to make our dreams of reaching the podium possible and shows their dedication to supporting Canadian chefs,” said Chef Keith Pears, National Culinary Athlete of 2026.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lactalis Canada Foodservice as an official partner of Team Canada,” said Thomas Delannoy, Founder & President of Chefs Canada. “Competing at the Bocuse d’Or requires not only immense skill and creativity but also access to the very best ingredients that represent the quality of our land. Partnering with a dairy leader that shares our passion for excellence ensures our chefs have the premium products necessary to showcase the true depth of Canadian gastronomy on the world stage.”
About Chefs Canada
Chefs Canada is committed to promoting Canadian cuisine, ingredients, and culinary talent at home and on the world stage. With over 36 years of legacy and a network of leading chefs and industry professionals, the organization elevates Canada’s culinary identity through global competitions and strategic partnerships. Chefs Canada is dedicated to uniting and inspiring the culinary community while fostering the next generation of talent and advancing the standard of Canadian gastronomy internationally. For more information visit www.chefscanada.com
About Lactalis Canada Inc.
With over 140 years of brand heritage, Lactalis Canada is the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, P’tit Québec, Balderson, Cheestrings Ficello, aMOOza!, Astro, Khaas, siggi’s, IÖGO, IÖGO nanö, Olympic, Lactantia, Beatrice, Bfit, Marie Morin Canada, Galbani, and Président. With more than 30 operating sites including 20 manufacturing facilities across Canada, the company and its more than 4500 employees are committed to enriching and nurturing the lives of Canadians through sustainable and responsible growth, high-quality products, contribution to communities and partnership with farmers, customers, partners and suppliers. Lactalis Canada has been named on Forbes’ 2025 Best Employers in Canada and one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2025 and 2026. The company is part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, headquartered in Laval, France. For more information, visit www.lactalis.ca
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Lactalis Canada Media Relations
