BelOrta created a memorable experience at the FPC Fresh Awards 2024 with an exclusive canapé menu crafted by Exose Grant, a finalist from MasterChef: The Professionals* in 2019.

Known for his innovative approach to cooking, Grant designed a menu that highlighted BelOrta's premium produce with creative, flavorful dishes. Guests enjoyed Ruby Red Tomato Bruschetta, BelOrta Baba Ganoush with Crispy Tortilla, Roast BelOrta Bell Pepper & Goats Cheese Crostini, and a refreshing BelOrta Strawberry Sorbet, all showcasing the versatility and quality of BelOrta’s fresh offerings.

The Iconic and beautifully fragrant Ruby Red Tomatoes, shiny plump aubergines, juicy bell peppers and sumptuous strawberries were delivered by First Choice Produce, who have been selling BelOrta to chefs across the UK for over a decade.

Ron Maxfield, Business Development Director at First Choice Produce was delighted to help transport the produce to the Awards to enable Exose to create the canapes and The Chefs’ Forum to create an eye-catching display on behalf of BelOrta in custom-made display stands for the canapé reception, he said “The quality, flavour and colour of BelOrta produce speak for themselves.  As fresh produce wholesalers, we can be sure of a consistent product, with continuity guaranteed and its these types of relationships that we are proud to celebrate with excellent suppliers like BelOrta.  It is imperative that we have utmost confidence in our suppliers to deliver the finest quality ingredients to our chefs.”

Chef Exose, used the aptly-named Heinzelmann Chef-X thermal blender to create the sorbet with beautiful BelOrta strawberries that he froze overnight to get the right texture.  He then added lemon juice, icing sugar and egg whites to make it double in size in the jug.

The rapid, butterfly paddle attachment for the Chef-X made short work of this dish and the guests absolutely loved it as a palate cleanser before dinner.

The FPC Fresh Awards, which took place on 27th September at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, is one of the UK’s most prestigious events celebrating excellence in the fresh produce sector. It draws over 700 professionals from the fruit, vegetable, and flower supply chains, offering a platform to highlight sustainability, innovation, and best practices across the industry.

Team Chefs’ Forum were lucky enough to sit down and enjoy the wonderful four course dinner, showcasing the very best in seasonal fresh produce.

BelOrta, a leading player in the fresh produce world, is known for its wide range of fruits and vegetables, used this opportunity to highlight the vibrancy and quality of their produce through these expertly crafted canapés.

The combination of BelOrta’s fresh ingredients and Exose Grant’s culinary expertise was certainly a standout showcase at the event.

Exose said, “I let the ingredients do the talking.  The BelOrta produce is some of the best I’ve worked with and the empty canapé trays showed the guests enjoyed the menu that I prepared with the brilliant students of West London College.  It was great that every guest saw the BelOrta canapé station on the way into the event and also got the chance to taste the four varieties of produce.“

Exose Grant, renowned for his time on *MasterChef* and his ability to turn simple ingredients into gourmet experiences, elevated BelOrta’s fresh produce to new heights. His involvement adds an exciting culinary touch, and the selection of canapés is designed to represent the best of what BelOrta’s seasonal produce can offer.

The FPC Fresh Awards not only celebrate the best in the fresh produce industry but also provide an opportunity for BelOrta to showcase the true potential of their products. This collaboration with Exose Grant is set to create an unforgettable experience for guests and further solidify BelOrta’s reputation for excellence in the industry.

The Chefs’ Forum received excellent feedback from BelOrta.  Glenn Sebregts, Division Marketing Manager at BelOrta said

“It was fantastic to see the guests enjoying Exose’s wonderful canapés.  I think that every guest had a glimpse and a taste of BelOrta.  This event was a fantastic opportunity to raise our profile and showcase the excellent quality and flavour profiles of our produce.

We are looking forward to many more events with The Chefs’ Forum in the UK and would like to congratulate The Fresh Produce Consortium on a hugely successful Awards event.”