COLOGNE SET TO HOST 2026 JRE-INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS WITH 400 INTERNATIONAL CHEFS
Cologne, Germany – October 27, 2025 – The international restaurant association JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs will host its 2026 International Congress in Cologne, Germany, on April 19–20, 2026, bringing together over 500 participants, including more than 400 chefs, sommeliers, and restaurateurs from over 20 countries. Under the theme RE·GENERATION, the two-day event will explore culinary innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration, setting the stage for the future of gastronomy.
“It’s time to grow the future, together. RE·GENERATION is about being bold, being real, and shaping the next chapter in food and culture.”
President of JRE-International
RE·GENERATION - SEED THE FUTURE
JRE continues to evolve, rethinking its role in the culinary world, replanting with purpose, and regenerating with vision. This congress embodies JRE’s mission to plant seeds for the future, nurturing creativity, innovation, and global connections.
Location: Cologne, Germany
The congress will be hosted by JRE-Germany in Cologne, a city along the majestic Rhine River renowned for its Gothic Cathedral, rich culture, and vibrant culinary scene. Cologne provides the perfect stage for JRE members to connect, share ideas, and celebrate excellence in a setting where tradition meets innovation. As one of Germany’s most dynamic gastronomic regions, North Rhine-Westphalia embodies the energy and diversity that drive this year’s theme RE·GENERATION – SEED THE FUTURE.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome our international colleagues to Cologne. Germany’s culinary landscape is flourishing with creativity and passion, and hosting the JRE-International Congress here is a true honor. We look forward to sharing our hospitality, our traditions, and our innovative spirit with the entire JRE family.”
President of JRE-Germany
The host country’s delegation will be represented by several acclaimed JRE-Germany chefs from the region, including Alexander Wulf (“TROYKA”, Erkrath), Matthias Pietsch (“Redüttchen”, Bonn), Oliver Röder (“Burg Flamersheim”, Euskirchen), Maximilian Lorenz (“restaurant maximilian Lorenz”, Cologne), Michael Quendler (“Die Mühlenhelle”, Gummersbach) and Ruben Baumgart (“Rubens”, Düsseldorf). Together, they showcase the modern face of German gastronomy – rooted in craftsmanship, driven by creativity, and open to the world.
CONGRESS HIGHLIGHTS
Global Expansion: South America
During the congress, JRE will officially announce its intercontinental expansion into South America, welcoming founding members from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. These talented chefs and restaurateurs will meet their 400+ international colleagues for the first time, officially joining the global JRE family. This milestone highlights JRE’s commitment to connecting passionate young restaurateurs and celebrating culinary diversity worldwide.
“Seed the Future represents sharing knowledge beyond borders. Our international expansion creates new opportunities for the JRE community around the world.”
CEO, JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs
Gala Dinner & 8-Hands Menu
The congress will open with a spectacular Gala Dinner at Flora, the domed greenhouse of the Cologne Botanical Garden, featuring an exclusive 8-hands menu crafted by four JRE-Germany members and two Michelin-starred chefs:
Jan-Philipp Berner, Restaurant Söl’ring Hof, Rantum
Frédéric Morel, Restaurant Cœur d’Artichaut, Münster
Sebastian Obendorfer, Restaurant Obendorfers Eisvogel, Neunburg vorm Wald
Tobias Bätz, Restaurant AURA by Alexander Herrmann and Tobias Bätz, Wirsberg
JRE-Award Ceremony
During the Gala Dinner, the JRE-International Awards will honor outstanding contributions in six categories, presented in collaboration with the JRE-International Partners:
Chef of the Year powered by PASTIFICIO DEI CAMPI
Sommelier of the Year powered by MARCHESI ANTINORI
Hospitality Excellence Award powered by MASTERCARD
Re·Generation Award powered by CARPIGIANI
Taste of Origins Award powered by PARMIGIANO REGGIANO
Sustainability Award powered by MARIE-STELLA-MARIS
JRE-Summit: Kitchen Party Edition
Next year’s JRE-Summit takes the form of a Kitchen Party, where 500+ participants including JRE-Members, Partners, Press and for the first time, guests will experience masterclasses, tastings, and live cooking demonstrations in an energetic, interactive environment, fostering creativity, inspiration, and networking.
Let’s grow the future, together. Let the RE·GENERATION begin!
