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Chef and product developer Krista MacQuarrie was named the 2025 PEI Chef of the Year by the Culinary Federation of PEI. The award recognizes her leadership and commitment to excellence in the culinary industry and community. She received the award last week during the federation’s annual June social.

In addition to this honour, MacQuarrie was also named the Culinary Federation’s Eastern Region Chef of the Year, earning her a spot as one of three national finalists for the prestigious National Chef of the Year title.

Chef MacQuarrie has worked as a product developer with Canada’s Smartest Kitchen (CSK) for the past sixteen years, where her culinary expertise helps to bring innovative, on-trend food products to market. Her focus on flavour, texture and balanced nutrition has contributed to the success of many products locally, nationally and internationally. 

“Krista’s passion for exceptional customer service and culinary innovation shines in every interaction with clients and staff,” said Tim McRoberts, director of CSK. “Krista is very skilled in leading creative and informed research and development activities regarding the food we innovate at CSK. She is incredibly deserving of this award, and we are thrilled to see her recognized with this achievement.”

Outside of her work, MacQuarrie is also an active leader with the PEI branch of the Culinary Federation, serving as the Vice-President and Co-chair of the ‘Chef’s Island’ event.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be chosen as the PEI Chef of the Year and to see my work recognized by colleagues across the Island,” she said. “PEI is Canada’s destination for culinary experiences, and to be chosen to represent our region among so many talented chefs is truly humbling.”

MacQuarrie is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of Canada, where she earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, a certificate in Pastry Arts, and an applied degree in Culinary Operations. She also holds a certificate in Collaborative Leadership from UPEI and is pursuing a certificate in Adult Education through a joint Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ–UPEI program.

About Canada’s Smartest Kitchen

Canada’s Smartest Kitchen is a research and development branch of Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ. It offers comprehensive food innovation support in areas from product development and sensory testing to market research, food styling and technical chef services.

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In Photos:

Above
(L-R) Chef Krista MacQuarrie accepts the PEI Chef of the Year Award from Mark Gregory, president of PEI Culinary Federation. In addition to the award, MacQuarrie also received cookware donated by Scott Chandler from Meyer Canada.

L-R: Canadian Chef of the Year nominees Krista MacQuarrie, JC Felicella, Jesse Bell (accepting on behalf Phil Cameron), and National Culinary Federation president Ryan Marquis at the presentation of the National Chef of the Year awards at the Culinary Federation AGM. Phil Cameron, not pictured, was selected as the CF Chef of the Year for 2025.