Unilever Food Solutions has opened entries for its 2014 Chef of the Year competition. Entries close on 15 July and those in the chef industry – or headed that way – are encouraged to try their hand at getting a career boost and winning a portion of R110 000.

Every year, Unilever Food Solutions provides innovative young chefs with the opportunity to prove their culinary talent in this contest. The competition is open to anyone residing in the Western Province, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng regions who are qualified cooks, trainees or aspiring chefs, currently registered with a training institution and in possession of a South African identity document. Previous winners include David Thomas from Lyon Des Sables, Jade van der Spuy from 1000 Hills Chefs School and Sven Adams from the Mount Nelson Hotel.

Things had become somewhat competitive in the kitchen, but not quite in the way that Alexi expected. Photograph: iStock.

There are five categories: junior chefs with five years (or less) of experience; senior executive chefs; team; excellence in canapés; and excellence in confectionery. A first place, second place and third place will be awarded in each category, with each winner receiving a cash prize.

To enter, visit www.unileverfoodsolutions.co.za. Winners in each category will be announced at Unilever’s awards ceremony on 11 September 2014.