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Newsroom IKEA cooks up co-worker talent in one of the world’s largest food contests
Cooking & Eating People & Culture 11 December 2025

IKEA cooks up co-worker talent in one of the world’s largest food contests

Building on last year’s global music success, IKEA Talents returned with a flavorful new challenge connected to this year’s commercial focus: Complete Cooking & Eating. More than 200,000 co–workers from 46 countries were invited to bring their creativity and passion to the plate. Now, the top six finalists will travel to Sweden in February for the cook-off in Älmhult. The winner will be announced later that month.

IKEA Talents is a global co-worker engagement initiative celebrating IKEA culture, values, creativity and diversity. The contest was first launched in 2024 with a music challenge and quickly became a successful way to appreciate and connect co-workers around the world. This financial year, IKEA Talents returned with a new challenge, inviting co-workers to share their favourite dishes and love of cooking.

Food has always been at the heart of the IKEA experience. It brings people together, inspires everyday life, and creates memorable moments in stores and homes. This year, co-workers were invited to put their passion on the plate, creating dishes judged on creativity, presentation, sustainability, and affordability.

“Food is one of the first and last things our customers experience when visiting IKEA – it’s part of the everyday moments that turn a visit into something special. Whether it’s a quick fika, a family meal in the restaurant, or grabbing a hot dog on the way out, IKEA food brings people together in a way that’s joyful, memorable and uniquely ours. This year, as we focus on ‘Complete Cooking & Eating’, the IKEA Talents cooking contest highlights the fun, the spirit, and he creativity that already lives in our stores and our people. It’s a celebration of food as a connector, full of flavour, full of heart,” said Lorena Lourido Gomez, Global Food Manager at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group).

From idea to plate

Co-workers worldwide submitted dishes by following simple guidelines: a 1-minute cooking video featuring  at least one Cooking & Eating or IKEA Food product, a written recipe and a photo of the final dish. The entries showcased diversity, culture, creativity and co-worker passion with almost 50 countries joining and around 11,000 votes cast.

Ulrika Biesèrt, Chief People & Culture Officer, Ingka Group

“IKEA Talents is a celebration of creativity and togetherness. What makes it truly unique is that it is made possible by thousands of our co-workers and has become one of the largest internal contests across our company. It reminds us of the incredible creativity, commitment and spirit that lives across IKEA. This year, IKEA Talents brought together co-workers from around the world, creating moments of joy, pride, and togetherness, and strengthening our culture. We are truly inspired by everyone who took part, and proud of the finalists who will now represent the many talents across our markets in the cook-off.”

Meet the finalists: 

  • Malaysia: Fatin Badrul Hisham, Nurul Fatihah Binti Rosli with Stir Fried Tofu 
  • Italy: Benedetta Orsini with Sweden in a plin 
  • France: Abigaëlle Dumont with Sweet and savory millefeuille 
  • Spain: Juan Diego Rodríguez & Sophía Daniella Rattín with Lume & Lagom 
  • Portugal: Pedro Garcia with IKEA Style Swedish Lasagna 
  • Poland: Michał Peplak with Stir-fry udon noodles with IKEA plant balls 

In February 2026, the six finalists will travel to Älmhult in Sweden, the heart of IKEA, for the final cook-off. They will meet IKEA Food experts, take part in workshops, and prepare their dishes for a professional jury. The winner will be announced shortly after the final round.

 

About Ingka Group 

With IKEA retail operations in 32 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 87% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.

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