Recognizing the Best of the Best

RCA is committed to recognizing excellence in Culinology® and service to our association.

Through our annual awards program, the Research Chefs Association pays tribute to the most accomplished, deserving professionals in the food product development industry. We are currently seeking nominations for awards which will be presented at the 2027 RCA Annual Conference & Culinology Expo, March 23-25, 2027. See below for details!

Congratulations to the 2026 RCA Awards recipients! Click each individual award for more information.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions regarding the awards programs or nominations process.

RCA awards ready for recipients

2027 Call for Nominations

Nominate an Industry Pioneer, Outstanding Leader or Culinology Innovation

We are currently seeking nominations for the following awards, which will be presented at the 2027 RCA Annual Conference & Culinology Expo, March 23-25, 2027:

Available Award Categories

  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Pioneer Award
  • Outstanding Achievement Award
  • Culinology Innovation Award

Required Nomination Materials

For each nomination, you should expect to provide:

  • Your contact information
  • The contact information for your nominee
  • A 1-2 paragraph response outlining why your nominee deserves the selected RCA award
  • A brief 300 words (or less) biography of the nominee
  • Optional: A letter of recommendation or other supporting documentation

    Letters of recommendation may be provided by you or another individual. These letters may offer additional insight into the nominee’s accomplishments, qualifications, and impact beyond the information provided in the 1–2 paragraphs above.

    Examples of additional supporting documentation include resumes, articles highlighting the nominee’s achievements, and information about products, projects, or other initiatives they have contributed to.

⚠️ Important Date:

Nomination Deadline: Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026

Explore Our Awards

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Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizing leaders who have applied Culinology for at least 10 years

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RCA Pioneer Award

Honoring pioneers who have shaped the food industry through Culinology

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Culinology Expo Product Award

Attendee-voted favorite exhibitor product at the Culinology Expo

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Outstanding Achievement Award

Recognizing excellence in R&D and Culinology education

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RCA President's Award

Awarded for significant contributions to the association or industry

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Culinology Innovation Award

Excellence in developing innovative products and product lines

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Other RCA Awards

Gary Hollemen, Founder's, and Leadership Awards