Real California Milk Elevates Thai Pizza to Global Stage with "Real California Pizza Battle Thailand 2024"
Real California Milk Thailand recently held the highly anticipated "Real California Pizza Battle Thailand 2024," a unique competition designed to spotlight Thai culinary talent and the versatility of California dairy products on an international platform. The event celebrated the fusion of California cheese and milk with local Thai ingredients, offering young chefs a stage to showcase their skills for a chance to represent Thailand at the prestigious International Pizza Expo 2025 in Las Vegas.
The competition followed the successful “California Cheese Train the Trainer Boot Camp” held at Lenôtre Culinary Arts School, where 25 culinary instructors from 15 renowned culinary institutes across Thailand received specialized training on California’s high-quality cheese. This boot camp provided these instructors with the expertise needed to mentor students preparing for the national competition. The event saw representatives from each institution create innovative pizzas, combining authentic California cheese varieties with Thai flavors.
A distinguished panel of judges, including culinary experts from the Chefs Association of Thailand, evaluated the pizzas based on creativity, flavor, and presentation. The fusion of Thai flavors with premium California cheese captivated the audience and underscored the potential for Thai-inspired pizzas on the global stage.
Honored Judges
Real California Milk Thailand expressed sincere appreciation to the judging panel: Ms. Kelly Stange, Regional Agricultural Counselor, Office of Agricultural Affairs (Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos); Chef Somsak Rarongkham, President of the Chefs Association of Thailand; Chef Bib Chatchaya Rattanakanit, a distinguished culinary and bakery expert; Chef Prachan Vong-Uthaiphan, Deputy Director of the Chefs Association of Thailand; and Apiradee Phanuroote, California Milk Advisory Board representative.
Competition Winners
- Grand Prize Winner: Miss Chonnipha Phulaidok from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, with her Tokachi Buta Pizza.
- 1st Runner-Up: Miss Nattarinee Suksoom from Thai and International Culinary Arts Rajabhat University, with her Pizza Pad Mee Seafood Koh Samui.
- 2nd Runner-Up: Mr. Pawarit Kumpluk from Dusit Thani College, with his Pizza Northern Sausage Style with Nham Prik Oong.
Miss Chonnipha Phulaidok, as the Grand Prize Winner, along with her coaching instructor, will represent Thailand and Real California Milk Thailand at the International Pizza Expo 2025. They are set to introduce their innovative pizza creations to a global audience.
The "Real California Pizza Battle Thailand 2024" highlighted the quality of California cheese and celebrated the creativity of Thailand’s young chefs. Through the fusion of local Thai flavors with world-class dairy products, these chefs are setting new standards and elevating Thai cuisine on the global culinary stage.
About the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is a non-profit organization representing California’s 1,000+ dairy families. CMAB promotes Real California Milk and Real California Cheese through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice programs.
For more information, connect with CMAB:
- Website: RealCaliforniaMilk.in.th
- Facebook: RealCaliforniaMilkThailand
-Instagram: RealCaliforniaMilkThailand
