Ruth Weldegiorgis from Sigtunahöjden won the World Conference Chefs Championship, Copper Skillet.

The conference chefs WC, Copper Skillet 2024, is decided.
The winner was Ruth Weldegiorgis from the Skog restaurant in Sigtunahöjden.

Congratulations Ruth, how does it feel to be the best in the world?
– It's so big, absolutely fantastic. It's been a long journey, since winning the selection in Sweden, then the European in October 2023 and now the world final in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

How did it go in the final?
– The concept was the same as in previous competitions, so it was familiar.
You get a pantry and a secret basket with five proteins from which you can choose two. I chose the swordfish and legume hash.
You have a frying pan, a frying pan and two gas hobs. That’s fifteen minutes to plan and half an hour to cook.
The jury looks at the amount of waste, cleanliness, appearance and of course taste.

­Did you have a strategy?
– Now that it was far from home, I didn't know what the season was, so I tried to search a little.
Often, when we see a raw material, we have an idea, and then we just have to take it, otherwise we won't do much in that little half hour.

What does victory mean?
– I think conference leaders should be promoted more, and this competition does that.
It's not just star chefs who do good work. Conference leaders could be allowed to take up more space. There are an incredible number of facilities with big ambitions and sustainable thinking. We know what we are doing.

– I also think it is important for girls to come forward, which is why I was very happy that two girls won this year's Swedish Copper Skillet.

Tip: Find Supportive Employers

Do you have any advice for those who want to compete?
– You should look for an employer who supports and encourages, who wants to work for common success.
There are a lot of talented people who don't have the opportunity to do something like this.

Did you have time to do anything other than compete?
– I had a completely free day, then we went to New York.
The best part was the whole experience, the competition and being able to go with some from Sigtunahöjden and I also brought my son with me. It was an awesome experience.