Country Range becomes headline sponsor of Springboard FutureChef

After nearly a decade of supporting the next generation of young college chefs through its sponsorship of the Student Chef Challenge, the Country Range Group has now turned its attention to schools with its own brand – Country Range – being announced as a headline sponsor for the 2025/2026 Springboard FutureChef competition.

Passionate about addressing the skills gap in the hospitality industry, the partnership marks a milestone in the Country Range Group’s commitment to nurturing culinary talent and providing a vital pipeline for the industry’s future workforce.

Springboard FutureChef is the UK’s leading school-based cooking competition, engaging with over 25,000 young people annually across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Designed to inspire and equip aspiring chefs aged between 12-16 with essential culinary skills and knowledge, Springboard FutureChef provides a hands-on experience, builds confidence and introduces participants to the world of professional cookery.

With a proven track record for launching culinary careers, the first Springboard FutureChef competition took place in 1999 with 127 young chefs taking part. Since then, over 225,000 students have been involved and 24% of participants have gone on to have careers in hospitality.

Graham Caldwell, Country Range Group marketing manager, said: “The Country Range Group and our members are dedicated to supporting the foodservice sector and we recognise the importance of investing in young talent. The Springboard FutureChef competition is a truly exceptional initiative and as a long-term supporter of food education and training, the exciting sponsorship aligns perfectly with our mission to empower the next generation of culinary professionals and strengthen the hospitality industry.

“Springboard FutureChef is more than just a competition – it’s a monumental movement that provides invaluable skills and experience to young people, fosters industry connections and strengthens career pathways for culinary talent. With an unbelievable track record for developing young cooks, we’re thrilled to take on the role of headline sponsor and look forward to working with Springboard to invest in and inspire the next cohort of young chefs.”

The FutureChef annual programme begins in August with a nationwide call for participants, chef mentors and judges. School heats then take place from August to October, followed by local finals and mentor engagement. Regional finals occur in early spring 2026, culminating in the national final in March 2026. Outside of the main competition, culinary career sessions and industry-led demonstrations are run throughout the year.

In addition to Country Range being the headline sponsor, the group’s wholesale members will have the opportunity to offer mentorship and professional development opportunities for young participants and schools in their regions.