Celebrated chef, author, Padma Shri awardee, philanthropist, humanitarian, and serial entrepreneur Sanjeev Kapoor has been honoured as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation at a ceremony held in Des Moines, Iowa, a global centre for food security and sustainable agriculture discussions.
The recognition celebrates Kapoor’s transformative contribution to improving the global food ecosystem by promoting healthy and sustainable eating, supporting Indian agriculture, and encouraging the use of local, nutrient-rich ingredients. Through partnerships with organisations such as HarvestPlus Solutions, Kapoor has advanced initiatives that integrate nutrition literacy and innovative food solutions into school meals, empowering children, farmers, and families to make choices that are both nourishing and sustainable.
Programs guided by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor have already served millions of nutritious meals and engaged thousands of children, educators, and farmers across India, blending traditional flavors with nutrient-rich ingredients to make healthy food both accessible and loved.
Kapoor has long promoted the “farm to finger” philosophy, highlighting India’s unique tradition of eating with hands, which makes the food experience personal and rooted in culture. His work consistently connects farmers, food producers, and consumers, inspiring millions to adopt nutritious and sustainable food practices. Initiatives such as school nutrition programs exemplify his approach of combining tradition, taste, and modern nutrition science, transforming how young people experience and understand food while building lifelong habits of health and well-being.
Speaking about the honour, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said, “It is a privilege to be recognised by the World Food Prize Foundation among global pioneers working to make food more sustainable and equitable. India’s agri-food story is a mix of tradition and innovation, and I am proud to represent our farmers, communities, and culinary heritage on this platform. Through carefully designed initiatives and associations with organisations dedicated to nutrition, we can ensure that wholesome food reaches young children and that the next generation grows up healthier and more informed.”
The award was presented during the Borlaug Dialogue Week, hosted annually by the World Food Prize Foundation. The event brings together global leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators to discuss key issues related to food security, climate resilience, and nutrition.
This recognition further strengthens Kapoor’s role as a humanitarian and culinary ambassador dedicated to creating a more inclusive and sustainable food future, demonstrating that his influence extends far beyond the kitchen.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Honoured as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer
