Chef Elena Arzak, renowned for her prestige in the culinary field, presented the winners of the I National INCLUCINA Awards at Madrid Fusión. This event, which seeks to highlight the talent of young people with intellectual disabilities in the culinary world, took place at the Aragón stand and was attended by the regional Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food of the Government of Aragón, Javier Rincón.
Winners Who Challenge Barriers in the Kitchen
The first prize was awarded to Yaiza Zurano from the Altaviana Vocational Training Center in Valencia, who impressed the judges with her culinary skills. Valeria Fernández from the G. Nicoli International School in Madrid secured second place, although she could not attend the event due to health reasons. The third place went to Hodei Montes from the Integrated Center of Burlada in Navarra. Elena Arzak emphasized that these young individuals have proven they belong in kitchens, highlighting their ability to overcome barriers and excel in a competitive environment.
Awards That Promote Talent
The winners received statuettes designed by artists with intellectual disabilities, along with monetary prizes of €1,000, €700, and €300 for the first, second, and third places, respectively. Additionally, the seven finalists and their teachers were recognized with certificates, underscoring the effort and dedication of all participants in this inclusive initiative.
A National Event with Social Impact
The national final of the INCLUCINA Awards was held in Zaragoza on December 15, 2025, gathering students from various cities such as Barcelona, Córdoba, Guadalajara, Madrid, Pamplona, Valencia, and Valladolid. The competition involved reinterpreting a recipe called HuevoPuri, allowing each participant to add their personal and regional touch. This event not only celebrates culinary talent but also aims to normalize the employment integration of these young people into the hospitality sector.
The project, promoted by the Inclucina Club in collaboration with ATADES, aims to position Zaragoza as a benchmark in inclusive gastronomy, responding to the growing demand for professionals in the sector. The choice of Madrid Fusión as a venue seeks to maximize the event’s visibility and serve as a springboard for the professional integration of these talented students. Arzak, the only female chef with three Michelin stars in Spain, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that she fell in love with the initiative from the very first moment.
