Indiana soybean checkoff on center stage at World Food Championships

The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and U.S. Soy enjoyed a prominent role in the Kitchen Arena of the 2024 World Food Championships (WFC), the largest food sport competition focused on everyday cooking categories. The competition took place Nov. 8-12 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center.

High oleic soybean oil was provided to WFC competitors through a partnership with the event. The high oleic soybean oil served as the “official Cooking Oil” for the competition, and it was made available to all of the contestants via the WFC’s Kitchen Arena pantry.

“We were thrilled to work with the Indiana Soybean Alliance to elevate soy as an ingredient on one of the world’s pre-eminent stages for food competition,” said WFC Founder Mike McCloud. “Soy is such a versatile ingredient with so many uses, it is often underutilized in Western cuisine.”

High oleic soybean oil delivers enhanced functional benefits within food service operations such as superior high heat stability. Exclusively a U.S. product, it extends product shelf life and offers the longest fry life of any edible oil. High oleic soybean oil lasts longer than standard vegetable oils in high-temperature and extended-use applications because of its heat and oxidative stability. In addition, the oil’s neutral flavor profile allows it to blend well in a variety of foods and lets the true and natural flavors of the ingredients stand out. Many venues around Indiana are already using high oleic soybean oil including the Indianapolis Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Pacers’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Purdue University’s Ross-Ade Stadium and Mackey Arena, and Indiana University’s Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium – among others.

“Just like the many venues around that state that are already using high oleic soybean oil, the World Food Championships is another great opportunity to showcase this cooking oil,” said ISA Chair Kevin Cox, a farmer from Brazil, Ind. “High oleic soybean oil is soybean checkoff program success story, and I am very excited about this product’s future.”

ISA is recognized by the USDA Secretary as a Qualified State Soybean Board, is a statewide organization that works to enhance the viability of Indiana soybean farmers through the effective and efficient investment of soybean checkoff funds. ISA works with the United Soybean Board, which promotes U.S. Soy and soy foods nationally.

The WFC hosted many qualifying events throughout the year. This multi-day, live culinary event showcases
some of the world’s best cooks competing for food, fame and fortune across 12 categories: Bacon, Barbecue,
Burger, Chef, Dessert, Live Fire, Noodle, Rice, Sandwich, Seafood, Soup and Vegetarian.

Each year, thousands of teams vie for a coveted Golden Ticket at official qualifiers to earn their spot at WFC. Since
its debut in 2012, the event has attracted participants from nearly 40 countries and every state in the United States.

For more information, visit https://worldfoodchampionships.com/tickets.

About Indiana Soybean Alliance: The Indiana Soybean Alliance works to enhance the viability of Indiana soybean farmers through the effective and efficient investment of soybean checkoff funds that protect and promote the interest of Indiana soybean farmers. The ISA works to assist soybean farmers through its strategic initiatives of market development; environmental, social and economic sustainability; value creation and producer engagement. ISA is led by an elected, farmer board that directs investments of the soybean checkoff funds on behalf of more than 20,000 Indiana soybean farmers. Learn more at www.indianasoybean.com

About World Food Championships: The World Food Championships (WFC) is the premier food sport competition globally. This multi-day, live culinary event showcases some of the world’s best cooks competing for food, fame and fortune across 12 categories: Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Live Fire, Noodle, Rice, Sandwich, Seafood, Soup and Vegetarian. Each year, thousands of teams vie for a coveted Golden Ticket at official qualifiers to earn their spot at WFC. Since its debut in 2012, the event has attracted participants from nearly 40 countries and every state in the United States. The 2024 World Food Championships will take place from Nov. 8-12 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.

This communication was funded with Indiana soybean checkoff dollars.