The Finnish Restaurant Industry Championships, Vuoden Kokki (Chef of the Year) and Vuoden Tarjoilija (Waiter of the Year), will be transferred from the ELO Foundation to Wihuri Metro-tukku on January 1, 2026. Wihuri Metro-tukku has acquired the rights to the competition trademarks. Metro-tukku will continue the traditions of these prestigious competitions but aims to clarify their vision.

Metro-tukku has been a partner enabling the realization of the competitions for almost their entire existence and has been responsible as the main organizer for the past five years. The first Vuoden Kokki was competed in 1995 and Vuoden Tarjoilija in 2013.

“Ownership is a natural continuation for Metro-tukku, as we have long been ambitiously advancing the competitions in terms of events. The new role allows for a more comprehensive development of the Vuoden Kokki and Vuoden Tarjoilija brands and vision,” says Jukka Heinänen, Vice President & General Manager of Wihuri Metro-tukku.

Vuoden Kokki and Vuoden Tarjoilija are prestigious and significant competitions for people in the restaurant industry, where Metro-tukku aims to make the voices of industry professionals heard more clearly.

“We want the competitions to reflect the views of people in restaurant industry on what domestic excellence is and how it should be showcased. Metro-tukku operates at the heart of the restaurant industry, and it is great to be able to concretely promote the vitality of the entire industry through the competitions,” says Heinänen.

Ownership means the opportunity to develop the competitions, the restaurant industry, and Finnish food culture in the long term, as well as to support industry professionals.

“The competitions have uniquely brought together restaurant industry professionals for years, showcasing incredible skills and the remarkable sense of community within the industry. Moving forward, the core of Vuoden Kokki and Vuoden Tarjoilija will continue to be the people, but the goal is also to elevate the appreciation of the entire Finnish restaurant culture. Restaurant culture touches all of us, and our aim is to strongly advance the industry and enhance the positive impact of the competitions on Finnish food culture,” says Emilia Santavuori, Director of Assortment & Marketing at Metro-tukku.

The ELO Foundation is pleased with the new owner.

“Wihuri Metro-tukku, along with its partners, has excellently managed the competitions and other activities related to the trademarks for the past five years. We are very happy that Vuoden Kokki and Vuoden Tarjoilija now have a strong owner in Metro-tukku. We look forward to the next stages in developing these brands and strengthening year-round activities,” says Peter Fredman, Chairman of the ELO Foundation.