The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has officially announced a brand new partnership with MAD Academy, the trailblazing nonprofit organization founded by chef René Redzepi and recipient of three MICHELIN Stars.
According to certain reports, the partnership will try and transform food systems by leveraging the workforce which is employed across the food and hospitality industry on a global scale.
More on that would reveal how, through its immersive collaboration with MAD Academy, the Luxury Collection should be able to create a scalable framework, all for the purpose of amplifying its culinary sustainability initiatives and cultivating environmentally conscious operational systems across its expansive global footprint.
To understand the significance of such a development, we must acknowledge that Luxury Collection presently boasts a diverse global portfolio which connects guests to the distinctive wonders of their destination. You see, the company holds, at the moment, more than 120 hotels and resorts across over 40 countries and territories.
Anyway, as a part of the given partnership, Luxury Collection has also announced an expansion of its intensive training programs, in collaboration with MAD Academy, to offer hands-on workshops for food industry leaders passionate about environmental sustainability.
These programs will arrive on the scene with a focus on helping chefs access invaluable experience and insights, all flanked by the overarching aim to strengthen sustainability efforts on property. The stated efforts include practical applications of prioritizing local and seasonal sourcing, reducing food waste through culinary innovation, and fostering the leadership skills to inspire positive change in their kitchens using real-world inspiration from MAD Academy’s thought leaders within the hospitality industry.
In fact, the inaugural training program has already taken place during November 2024. This showcase effectively featured detailed sessions led by MAD Academy’s roster of culinary and hospitality visionaries, including Matthew Orlando, former head chef of Per Se; Portia Hart, founder and owner of Blue Apple Beach; and Christian Puglisi, chef and owner of Bæst and Mirabelle Spiseria.
“We believe that working with MAD Academy will allow us to empower our chefs with the tools and inspiration they need to drive innovation in our kitchens,” said Nicolas Marzioni, VP of Food & Beverage, Europe, Marriott International. “We have been mindful in our approach, giving chefs the time and support to absorb new concepts gradually and apply them in phases. Each of our properties is unique, and we work closely with our chefs to develop sustainable strategies tailored to their environments, Our goal is to adopt thoughtful, individualized practices that align with the distinct character of each hotel.”
Apart from that, The Luxury Collection is also actively working alongside MAD Academy’s experts and alumni network to develop bespoke guest-facing programs that, on their part, are focused on fostering a genuine sense of community and deeper connections to the land and its stories.
This the whole proposition will achieve through creative menus which celebrate hyperlocal ingredients, as well as using thought-provoking exchanges with local food producers and MAD Academy leaders.
One of the beneficiaries of these bespoke initiatives have been the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, who collaborated with local suppliers to share its dedication towards sustainability and integrate responsible sourcing into the guest experience.
Joining that would be The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, who doubled down on its collaboration with local producers to offer seasonal, locally sourced dishes and unique culinary experiences. The resort now features, for instance, a Risotto of the Month, with ingredients selected by nearby farms for the chef to craft exclusive recipes.
“The Luxury Collection’s hotels and resorts have always reflected and defined their destinations, and with that comes an opportunity to preserve and enhance the unique locales we’re privileged to be part of,” said Bruce Rohr, VP and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “With properties spanning across six continents, we have an opportunity to effect greater change in the world, and this collaboration with MAD Academy marks an ambitious stride for the brand. We believe that as a leading voice on culinary sustainability, MAD Academy brings the expertise to help us rethink traditional models and turn theory into practice.”
