#Germany #Cologne #Gastronomy #JRE

Cologne Welcomes the 2026 JRE International Congress

In an exciting announcement for the culinary world, the JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs has revealed that the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany, will host its 2026 International Congress on April 19-20, 2026. This prestigious event is expected to attract over 500 participants, including more than 400 esteemed chefs, sommeliers, and restaurateurs from more than 20 countries.

A Vision for the Future of Gastronomy

Under the inspiring theme of "RE•GENERATION," this two-day event aims to delve deep into the future of gastronomy through innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. Daniel Canzian, President of JRE-International, emphasized the congress’s mission, stating, "It's time to grow the future, together. RE•GENERATION is about being bold, being real, and shaping the next chapter in food and culture."

The 2026 Congress aligns with JRE's commitment to fostering creativity, rethinking culinary approaches, and regenerating the food culture landscape—a vital endeavor in today's evolving culinary scene.

Why Cologne?

Cologne, situated along the scenic Rhine River, is celebrated for its stunning Gothic Cathedral and a rich cultural heritage that underpins its thriving gastronomy scene. The city stands as a beacon of culinary exploration and provides an ideal backdrop for an event of this magnitude. Hosting the congress in Cologne aims not only to celebrate the city’s gastronomic excellence but also to encourage a gathering of diverse culinary talents.

Key Highlights to Look Forward To

One of the most exciting aspects of the congress will be JRE's official announcement regarding its expansion into South America. Founding members from countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru will join this significant culinary alliance, marking an adventurous chapter in JRE’s global journey.

The event’s opening night will feature a Gala Dinner at Flora, where four Michelin-starred JRE-Germany chefs—Jan-Philipp Berner, Frédéric Morel, Sebastian Obendorfer, and Tobias Bätz—will collaborate to create a spectacular eight-course menu that tantalizes the palate and showcases their culinary prowess.

Enhancing the event's prestige will be the JRE-International Awards, which will take place during the Gala Dinner. Recognizing excellence across various fields, the awards will acknowledge significant contributions in six categories:

• - Chef of the Year by PASTIFICIO DEI CAMPI
• - Sommelier of the Year by MARCHESI ANTINORI
• - Hospitality Excellence Award by MASTERCARD
• - Re•Generation Award by CARPIGIANI
• - Taste of Origins Award by PARMIGIANO REGGIANO
• - Sustainability Award by MARIE-STELLA-MARIS

You can find out more about the nominees for these awards by visiting their official website.

In addition to all the festivities, next year’s JRE-Summit will take a fresh approach, transforming into a Kitchen Party edition which welcomes over 500 attendees. This gathering will provide an enriching experience filled with masterclasses, tastings, and live cooking demonstrations designed to inspire and aid networking among participants.

About JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs

Founded in 1974, JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs has grown into an influential network, uniting over 400 restaurants and 160 hotels across more than 20 countries. Its mission is to promote culinary excellence and cultural exchange among the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Mark your calendars for this monumental gathering in Cologne! For more information and updates on the event, visit JRE's official website.