Skånemejerier is shining a spotlight on the important work carried out in Sweden’s preschool kitchens through the annual Preschool Chef of the Year competition – Årets Förskolekock 2025. This year’s title was awarded to Josefine Isaksson, a preschool chef at Föräldraföreningen Kornknarren in Norrköping.

The competition, organised by Sveriges Offentliga Måltider in collaboration with Skånemejerier, celebrates the dedication and culinary skill of chefs working in public preschools. As Sweden’s public gastronomy sector faces challenges such as increasing the use of sustainable and locally produced ingredients, the award aims to recognise chefs who champion these values in their daily work.

Following a demanding national contest, the final was held in Växjö, where three finalists prepared creative, child-friendly dishes using sustainable and affordable ingredients. Josefine impressed the jury with her mastery of flavour and her focus on the young diners, earning praise for proving that even the smallest children deserve exceptional food.

Her winning menu featured corn and pannoumi fritters served with sweet potato mash, lingonberries, and pickled cucumber, alongside mini Italian pannoumi patties with mushroom sauce and tagliatelle.

Josefine described her win as “unbelievable,” adding that it was an honour to know her food is appreciated both by the children she cooks for and by a professional jury.

Skånemejerier, which has sponsored the competition for more than a decade, emphasised the importance of recognising preschool chefs for their creativity and commitment to serving nutritious, high-quality meals that inspire a lifelong joy for food.

Read the full press release HERE

Photo: Madelene Risén from Skånemejerier presents the Preschool Chef of the Year award to Josefine Isaksson / Skånemejerier.

by LWM