Inspired by the Michelin in France and James Beard in America, the World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence, organised by Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd (PKH) and endorsed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), was officially launched during the World Gourmet Summit (WGS) in April 2001.

Established to celebrate the spectrum of talents found within Singapore's food & beverage and hospitality industries, these awards serve to recognise those who have achieved a distinct reputation for providing world-class dining experiences.

"Through the awards, we want to recognise and identify the best talents, products and services of the Food & Beverage industry", Mr. Peter A. Knipp, co-organiser of the Awards explained, " We hope that this step will propel us closer to reaching the gastronomic reputation of being a world-class dining city such as New York, London and Paris."

"We certainly hope that the award winners will not only encourage greater professionalism and creativity but also aspire younger talents to achieve such award status"' added Mr Knipp.

Singapore has a pool of talented chefs and food professionals and upscale restaurants. Some of them have received top awards overseas for their expertise. With the need to give them due recognition in Singapore, the Awards thus serve to provide a platform to acknowledge these culinary experts and F&B professionals who will help in elevating Singapore's culinary culture and image, and contributing to the objective of developing Singapore as a Gourmet Capital.

"By cultivating talents in the local food & beverage industry, and subsequently expanding the Awards to recognise regional talents, it is our vision to elevate Singapore in the international gourmet echelon to the likes of the culinary cities of New York and Paris," said Mr Kevin Leong, STB's Director of Events Marketing.