An internationally respected food and wine writer, Lauraine Jacobs trained at the London Cordon Bleu School. She is a past president of the NZ Guild of Food Writers, food columnist for the NZ Listener magazine, and author/editor of 10 books including “Always Delicious” published in September 2018. Lauraine was the New Zealand editor of “Truth, Love and Clean Cutlery”.

Acclaimed chef, Geoff Scott was trained in Europe under the famous Roux brothers, Alain Ducasse and Michel Rostang, before returning to New Zealand to take ownership of the highly successful Auckland restaurant, Vinnies. A regular contributor to BITE magazine and well regarded as a consultant, Geoff is an industry lecturer and food competition judge across the country.

Ian Curley is a British-born and Australian-based chef, Ian is co-owner and chef at French Saloon and Kirk’s Wine Bar and Director of restaurant consultancy group, Exec Chef. Ian hosted his own TV show, Channel 7’s Conviction Kitchen, and has had recurring guest spots on MasterChef Australia, Yes Chef and Postcards. He is a dedicated Ambassador for Loaves and Fishes, a food rescue charity and mentors disadvantaged youth in learning career and essential life skills.

Akiko Katayama is a food writer and Forbes.com columnist based in New York City. She is the host and producer of “JAPAN EATS!”, a weekly radio show and podcast on Heritage Radio Network, as well as a board member of Heritage Radio Network and director of the non-profit organization The New York Japanese Culinary Academy. Akiko served as a culinary judge on Food Network’s Iron Chef America multiple times and on Netflix Original The Final Table.