Groups of chefs from six Moray schools aim to win Baxters' Soup Challenge

GROUPS of budding chefs from schools in Moray have been revealed as finalists in Baxters' annual Soup Challenge.

Second year pupils from Elgin Academy, Elgin High, Forres Academy, Lossiemouth High, Milnes High and Speyside High will take part in the grand final on May 22, where the winner will be crowned.

Each school tasked pupils with creating a soup recipe that met the brief of delivering two health benefits and selected a winning team to represent them in the challenge.

Pupils attended a masterclass at UHI Moray to refine their recipes and perfect their presentations.

As well as creating a tasty product, the Soup Challenge, delivered in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce Moray, also asks pupils to develop a costed business and marketing plan to produce and promote their soup.

At the masterclass the 24 pupils got to speak to experts in their field to get advice on the many elements and roles that go into taking a product from an idea to the supermarket shelf.

Aimee Stephen and Carinne Taylor, of DYW Moray, coached the pupils, sharing hints and tips, with help provided by Myra Conway, Craig Smith, Jude Smart and Sandy Young – all from Baxters.

Graeme Morrison, European supply chain director at Baxters, said: “The Soup Challenge is designed to offer pupils the opportunity to get some hands-on experience in developing a product and learning about the different stages and skillsets that go into the process.

"It’s a chance for them to be bold and creative as well as encouraging entrepreneurship.

“As a major employer in Moray, the initiative also provides an opportunity to showcase the depth and breadth of careers within the food manufacturing industry and inspire young people within our local community to ‘be different, be better’ in line with our ethos and values as a business.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.