The Dairy Alliance Brings Local Dairy to Center Stage at 2025 NCRLA Chef Showdown
The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, heads to Durham for the 2025 NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale, taking place the evening of August 4, 2025, at Bay 7 on the American Tobacco Campus. It marks the culmination of a four-month journey that included 11 rounds of preliminary and semifinal culinary and mixology competitions held across the state.
Throughout the competition, chefs, pastry chefs and mixologists supported local dairy farmers, creameries and cheesemakers by incorporating North Carolina dairy into dozens of creative dishes and drinks. At the August 4 Grand Finale, The Dairy Alliance will present the Undeniably Dairy Awards, honoring those who most creatively featured local dairy in their standout creations.
“North Carolina chefs and mixologists continue to raise the bar with bold, creative uses of real dairy, and we proudly champion their innovation,” said Geri Berdak, CEO of The Dairy Alliance. “The Undeniably Dairy Awards not only celebrate exceptional culinary talent but also honor the dedicated farm families whose high-quality dairy makes these standout dishes and drinks possible.”
The Dairy Alliance will spotlight finalists in four categories:
- Best Savory Dish
- Best Dessert
- Best Cocktail
- Best Mocktail
Finalists will showcase their creations live for guests and judges, with The Dairy Alliance announcing Undeniably Dairy Award winners during the Grand Finale on August 4. Guests will taste and vote, immersing themselves in North Carolina’s rich food and drink culture.
“The Chef Showdown brings North Carolina’s best culinary talent under one roof, and thanks to partners like The Dairy Alliance, we shine a spotlight on the incredible ingredients grown and produced right here in our state,” added Lynn Minges, President & CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. “These awards help tell the story of our vibrant food economy from farm to table and celebrate those who drive it forward with passion and creativity.”
