Auchtercrag’s Chef Crowned Care Chef of the Year

We’re thrilled to announce that Anna Koziarska, Head Chef at Meallmore’s Auchtercrag Care Home in Ellon, has once again claimed the title of Scotland’s Care Chef of the Year at the prestigious National Association of Care Catering (NACC) competition. This marks Anna’s second consecutive win in the regional heats, solidifying her reputation as one of the most talented and innovative chefs in the care sector.

Culinary Excellence on Display

Competing against top chefs from across Scotland, Anna impressed the judges with a meticulously crafted two-course menu: a succulent duck breast main course followed by delicate crepes for dessert. Her dishes not only showcased her culinary flair but also adhered to the competition’s stringent criteria, which emphasise nutritional balance, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for care home residents.

The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is renowned for highlighting the exceptional skills of chefs in the care sector. Participants are challenged to create meals that are both delicious and meet the specific dietary needs of older adults, all within a limited budget. Anna’s success in this demanding environment speaks volumes about her dedication and expertise.

From Kitchen Assistant to Head Chef

Anna’s journey with Meallmore is a testament to her hard work and passion for culinary arts. Starting as a kitchen assistant, she has risen through the ranks to become the Head Chef at Auchtercrag, consistently demonstrating commitment to excellence and innovation in care catering.

A major factor in Anna’s development has been her involvement with the Meallmore Academy of Care Kitchen Excellence. Through this specialist training programme, Anna was able to hone not only her technical skills but also her creativity and confidence in designing nutritionally balanced meals tailored to residents’ needs. The Academy provided her with opportunities to learn from experienced chefs, experiment with new culinary techniques, and embrace Meallmore’s high standards for quality and presentation. Anna credits the Academy for empowering her to grow professionally and for giving her the courage to step into competitive arenas like the NACC Care Chef of the Year.

Reflecting on her achievement, Anna shared:

“Each time I enter a competition, I question myself, wondering if I’m good enough. But winning the Scottish NACC regional title for the second year in a row has been a powerful affirmation. I’m grateful to the Meallmore team for their unwavering support, which has allowed me to grow and achieve what once seemed impossible.”

Looking Ahead to the Nationals

With the regional title secured, Anna now sets her sights on the national finals, scheduled to take place on 1st October 2025 at Loughborough College. Representing Scotland, she will compete against other regional winners from across the UK, aiming to bring the national title home to Meallmore.

The NACC competition not only celebrates culinary excellence but also underscores the critical role of nutrition and mealtime experience in care settings. By challenging chefs to innovate within specific guidelines, the competition fosters a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in care catering.

Embodying Meallmore’s C.A.R.E. Values

Anna’s achievement is a shining example of Meallmore’s commitment to our C.A.R.E. values: Creating welcoming environments, Acting with accountability, Recognising colleagues, and Engaging in continuous improvement. Her dedication to enhancing the dining experience for residents aligns perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional care and support.

Jody Marshall, Meallmore’s Group Hospitality Manager, added:

“I’m incredibly proud of Anna and the creativity and passion she brings to our kitchens every day. Her dishes not only showcase technical skill but also reflect the care and thoughtfulness we put into ensuring our residents enjoy delicious, nutritious meals. Anna is a fantastic ambassador for Meallmore and for the high standards of hospitality we strive to deliver across all our homes.”

Please join us in congratulating Anna on her remarkable accomplishment. We are immensely proud of her and look forward to cheering her on as she represents Scotland in the national finals.