User:Valereee/Euro-Toques

Euro-Toques is a non-profit association of European chefs based in Brussels that supports traditional artisan producers, promotes quality products, preserves the culinary traditions of Europe and ensures the responsible handling of food. It is the only chefs' lobbying association recognized by the European Commission.

History
The organization was founded on 18 November 1986 by the Baron fr:Pierre Romeijer with the support of the President of the European Commission Jacques Delors. The founding members included the cooks Paul Bocuse from France and Eckart Witzigmann from Germany, Gualtiero Marchesi, Cas Spijkers, fr:René Jacquemin, David Miller, Myrtle Allen, Arne Fusager, Dimitrios Karatzenis, Juan Mari Arzak and Michel Da Costa.

Goals
The name "Euro-Toques" consists of the terms "Euro" for "Europe" and "Toques" for "la toque," the French term for the trademark chef's cap. The basic philosophy of Euro-Toques is anchored in its code of honor, to which every Euro-Toques chef must adhere. In particular, it is about the use of seasonal and fresh, genuine products and traditional recipes in order to preserve the regionally produced foods and the diversity of the European culinary heritage. In addition to consumer protection it is also about the education of consumers. Euro-Toques has philanthropic, scientific and educational goals according to its bylaws.

Chapters
The headquarters, Euro-Toques International, is located in Brussels, with branches in 16 European countries, including Austria, Denmark, Germany (Bayreuth), France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Switzerland.

The Irish chapter runs an annual contest to name the top young Irish chef of the year. Contestants must be professional chefs under the age of 26.

The Italian chapter had 242 members in 2019, up from 211 the previous year.

The German chapter had two competing organizations using the name from 2008 through 2016 after Ernst-Ulrich Schassberger was voted out as chairman of the chapter. In a court settlement it was agreed that Schassberger should use another name for his association. As of 2017 the chapter had 150 members.