6. Nordic Presentation

Denmark stated that it was a pleasure to attend the meeting and gave a presentation, stating they had 6000 members in their Association. They were currently training for Gastronomy Competitions around the world.

Sweden stated they had good chefs working with good food in a clean environment. For competitions they had a national team and many individuals who are very keen and excellent competitors.

Norway and Sweden were both achieving good results in competitions.

There appeared to be different guidelines for different countries. Over the last two years Sweden had worked with good chefs to make amendments and educate the judges with new guidelines. This would be an education for young chefs who wanted to compete.

Discussion took place on the rules for all competitions.

All views should be put forward to Reinhold Metz regarding the use of Rules and Regulations of WACS.
All guidelines will be on the internet. Changes will be shown in colour so that they can be seen immediately. It was felt that the previous rules were too strict. Any Culinary Competitions should use WACS Rules as guidelines.

7. European Continent

Although no changes could be made at the present time, the Chairman requested the feeling of the meeting regarding the Membership of the European Continent. The response so far had been an overwhelming majority to keep Europe as it is as there is a danger of fragmentation. It was, however, important to encourage close relations with countries in their region, eg the Nordic Association which involved Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.

The following points were made:

Malta	WACS must address the issue if it gets too big How countries will work together with the Criteria and Guidelines Cautious approach to fragmentation
Ireland	If Europe did fragment, it would be a bad thing One country one vote Err on the side of caution System is good as it is at the moment
Norway	Had no intention or wish to split Europe
Germany	If someone wishes to form a regional group with Europe (ie Nordic Chefs) this would be acceptable
Cyprus	Natural that all close countries will attend each other's competitions and should carry on doing so

After further discussion it was agreed that the European Continental Division of WACS is best left as it is and Associations should continue to work in individual areas. Suggestions made that each member country should have one national competition to be recognised by WACS using their rules and judging criteria. Competitions must be credible.

Other points were also made

Ireland - Each country who is a member of WACS should be allowed to have one national competition recognised by WACS Limit how many competitions in any one year Chef Ireland should be a WACS Competition. - This would encourage major sponsorship Cyprus - Expressed the view that WACS was working well - Small countries have a problem attracting major sponsors WACS should be more flexible for new countries and recognise individual culinary traditions Malta Would like a WACS Assessment at Exhibition in November Judging criteria at Hotelympia not good Chairman Explained that WACS would be happy to assess a competition for WACS status but can only do this once an invitation is received Scotland Benefited from representatives coming over from other countries to their Salon Culinaire and Exhibition Germany - Requested details of any competitions in initial stages for approval Italy -Have great enthusiasm for WACS WACS to make sure countries are growing in right direction -Italy has 120 Associations, 5000 members, 20 Regions.