The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and U.S. Soy are set to take center stage at the 2024 World Food Championships (WFC), the largest food sport competition focused on everyday cooking categories. As the official Cooking Oil partner, high oleic soybean oil will be provided to all WFC competitors, showcasing the versatility and functional benefits of this American-grown ingredient.

Unlocking the Potential of Soy in the Culinary Spotlight

Soy's Starring Role at the World Food Championships

The partnership between the Indiana Soybean Alliance, U.S. Soy, and the World Food Championships is a testament to the growing recognition of soy as a versatile and valuable ingredient in the culinary world. By providing high oleic soybean oil as the "official Cooking Oil" for the competition, the organizers aim to highlight the unique properties and benefits that this American-grown product can offer to professional and home chefs alike.

The World Food Championships, set to take place from November 8-12, 2024, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, is the perfect platform to showcase the capabilities of high oleic soybean oil. As the largest food sport competition focused on everyday cooking categories, the event attracts top culinary talents from around the globe, each vying to showcase their skills and creativity. By making this premium cooking oil available to all contestants, the organizers are empowering these chefs to explore new flavor profiles and culinary techniques, ultimately elevating the overall experience for both competitors and spectators.

WFC Founder Mike McCloud expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We're thrilled to be working with the Indiana Soybean Alliance to elevate soy as an ingredient on one of the world's preeminent stages for food competition. Soy is such a versatile ingredient with so many uses, it is often underutilized in Western cuisine. This partnership will allow our competitors to showcase the true potential of soy-based products in their culinary creations."

Unlocking the Functional Benefits of High Oleic Soybean Oil

High oleic soybean oil is not just a versatile cooking medium; it also offers a range of functional benefits that make it an ideal choice for professional and home kitchens alike. Compared to standard vegetable oils, high oleic soybean oil boasts superior heat stability, allowing it to withstand the high temperatures and extended use common in food service operations.

The oil's enhanced heat and oxidative stability translate to longer fry life and extended product shelf life, making it a cost-effective and efficient choice for chefs and food service providers. Additionally, the neutral flavor profile of high oleic soybean oil allows it to blend seamlessly with a variety of ingredients, ensuring that the true and natural flavors of the dish can shine through.

The widespread adoption of high oleic soybean oil in prominent venues across Indiana, such as the Indianapolis Colts' Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Pacers' Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and various university sports facilities, is a testament to its growing popularity and recognition as a superior cooking oil. This partnership with the World Food Championships further solidifies the oil's position as a go-to choice for culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Soybean Checkoff Program: A Success Story

The inclusion of high oleic soybean oil as the "official Cooking Oil" for the World Food Championships is a significant milestone for the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the broader soybean checkoff program. ISA Chair Kevin Cox, a farmer from Brazil, Indiana, expressed his excitement about this partnership, stating, "High oleic soybean oil is a soybean checkoff program success story, and I am very excited about this product's future."

The soybean checkoff program, funded by soybean farmers, has played a crucial role in the development and promotion of high oleic soybean oil. Through research, innovation, and strategic marketing, the program has helped to elevate this American-grown product as a premier cooking oil, with a growing presence in both commercial and consumer markets.

The World Food Championships provides an exceptional platform to showcase the capabilities of high oleic soybean oil to a global audience of culinary enthusiasts and professionals. By leveraging this high-profile event, the Indiana Soybean Alliance and U.S. Soy aim to further enhance the visibility and recognition of soy-based products, ultimately driving increased demand and expanding the reach of this versatile and functional ingredient.