Bogor, June 18, 2025 - PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk (JAPFA), through its downstream business arm JAPFA FOOD, has established a strategic partnership with PT Adicipta Boga Intiprima (IMPERIAL GROUP), one of Indonesia’s leading food and beverage industry players. This collaboration was marked by the launch of the culinary competition “Clash of Flavors: Farm to Fire,” held from June 15 to 18, 2025, in Bogor, West Java.

More than just a cooking competition, this event served as a platform to foster creativity and innovation among chefs from various IMPERIAL GROUP outlets, encouraging them to craft dishes using high-quality animal protein. Emphasizing a “farm-to-table” approach, the event highlighted the importance of premium ingredients, responsible food processing, and sustainability awareness within the F&B industry.

Through this collaboration, JAPFA FOOD reaffirms its role as a strategic partner offering comprehensive solutions for the culinary sector. Beyond providing premium animal protein products, JAPFA FOOD offers flexibility in product forms and specifications tailored to the needs of professional kitchens—from five-star hotels and concept restaurants to fast-food franchise chains.

“With our ‘one-stop food solutions’ approach, we aim to support culinary businesses in delivering dishes that are consistent in flavor, efficient in preparation, and flexible in presentation,” said Melvany Kasih, Head of Japfa Food Solutions.

IMPERIAL GROUP, widely recognized for its authentic Asian restaurant concepts, views this partnership as a strategic move to meet the expectations of modern consumers who are increasingly concerned about the quality, origin, and environmental impact of the food they consume.

“This collaboration is a pivotal moment for us to expand our culinary offerings innovatively while maintaining flavor integrity and integrating sustainability principles into every aspect of menu and talent development—especially our chefs,” stated Ma Wilianto, CEO of IMPERIAL GROUP.

The “Clash of Flavours: Farm to Fire” competition brought together 90 chefs from the IMPERIAL GROUP network. Organized in team format, participants were challenged to create signature dishes that showcased flavor, presentation, originality, and sustainable practices. The best creations will not only receive accolades but also have the exclusive opportunity to be developed further with the R&D teams of JAPFA FOOD and IMPERIAL GROUP, with the potential to become future flagship menu items.

Renowned chef and culinary expert Chef Martin Praja, one of the competition judges with over 15 years of industry experience, highlighted the significance of such events as catalysts for talent development and the adoption of more responsible culinary practices. “I truly appreciate the quality of this competition. The participants not only demonstrated exceptional technical skills but also emphasized the importance of ingredient origin and quality. Initiatives like this should be more widely adopted, as they give chefs space to express themselves while thinking ahead,” he said.

The competition also served as a morale and capacity-building moment for teams across the restaurant network. Chef Gilles Marx, Chef Founder and Operations Director of AMUZ Gourmet Restaurant and a guest judge at the event, added: “This event gave chefs a valuable opportunity to explore the potential of JAPFA FOOD’s high-quality local ingredients. From preparation to plating, each chef learned to harmonize technique, creativity, and environmental awareness. It’s not just about competing—it’s about shaping the character of a chef.” “This competition is not just about who excels in the kitchen—it’s about how every culinary element can become a real solution for a more responsible future in the food industry. With the right raw materials, efficient processing, and mindful portioning, we help business partners minimize waste while maximizing value,” concluded Leo Handoko, Director of JAPFA.