Mexico earned one of the five available spots to represent the Americas in the Bocuse d’Or 2027 Grand Final, reaffirming its position among the region’s leading culinary powers. The Bocuse d’Or is recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious and demanding haute cuisine competitions.

Mexico also received the special award for the theme on the plate, a distinction that celebrates creativity, culinary identity, technical mastery, and the quality of the presentations showcased during the competition. This achievement highlights the ability of Mexican cuisine to engage with international gastronomic techniques while preserving its deep connection to native ingredients, traditions, and cultural expressions.

As part of this edition, Gerardo Rivera, Corporate Chef of Fiesta Americana Travelty, served as a jury member, contributing his expertise and knowledge to the evaluation of a competition that demands precision, creativity, organization, technical skill, and strong performance under pressure.

“Mexico securing once again its place in the world final is a tremendous source of pride. This result reflects the discipline, talent, and preparation of a new generation of chefs who are bringing our gastronomy to the most important stages worldwide. I deeply believe in the power of Mexican cuisine to create identity, connect cultures, and deliver memorable experiences,” Rivera stated.

With more than 38 years of professional experience, Gerardo Rivera is one of the most respected figures in Mexican gastronomy. He has built a career grounded in excellence, talent development, and innovation. For over two decades, he has been part of Fiesta Americana Travelty, where he leads the company’s culinary strategy and oversees the operation of restaurants, banquets, food and beverage services, in‑room dining, and special culinary concepts across the group’s brands.

Rivera also maintains a historic relationship with the Bocuse d’Or. In 1999, he represented Mexico in the world final held in Lyon, achieving ninth place—one of the country’s best results in the history of the competition. Throughout his career, he has represented Mexico at international gastronomic events and has served as a judge in culinary competitions in France, Uruguay, and Chile.

He is a member of the Académie Culinaire de France, Maestros Cocineros de México, and honorary president of Club Vatel México. His recognitions include being named Chevalier de la Ordre Mondial de l’Académie Culinaire de France and Chef of the Year 2020 by Club Vatel México.

Gerardo Rivera’s participation in Bocuse d’Or Americas 2026 reflects Fiesta Americana Travelty’s commitment to developing and promoting national culinary talent. Through its hotels, restaurants, and gastronomic experiences, the company champions a culinary vision that blends local ingredients, contemporary techniques, regional identity, and high service standards.

The company also fosters continuous training for its kitchen teams and encourages knowledge transfer across generations as part of a strategy aimed at strengthening professionalization in the sector and maintaining gastronomy as one of the key differentiators of Mexican hospitality.