SPECIAL RECOGNITION... MERRILL J FERNANDO, DILMAH TEA

The World Association of Chefs' Societies has honoured Dilmah tea founder, Merrill J. Fernando, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to ethical tea production.The Sri Lankan company ensures that a minimum of 10% of its pre-tax profits goes to the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation, which aims to empower youth and women in difficult economic and social circumstances and helps children with special needs. Fernando also advocates the Empower Culinary School, a WorldChefs approved school that offers culinary training free to young disadvantaged people. A second school will open in August this year at the MJF Centre East. The award was presented by WorldChefs president Thomas Gugler before over 1,000 chefs representing 100 Chefs' Societies from around the world.