The Foodservice Division of the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the kickoff date for its 4th Annual Real California Pizza Contest, the return of the CADairy2Go competition and the rollout of a new culinary event focusing on Cal-Mex to round out its foodservice events for 2022.

The 4th annual Real California Pizza Contest, a search for the best pizza recipes using cow’s milk cheeses from California, will get underway on March 1. Professional chefs and pizzaiolos from throughout the United States may enter their innovative recipes from March 1 through April 24, 2022, for a chance to make it to the bake-off final on June 22, 2022, in Napa, Calif., and compete for up to $25,000 in prize money, Tracy, Calif.-based CMAB said.

The CADairy2Go Invitational is inspired by chefs and foodservice operators who made quick, creative pivots to adjust their menus for the takeout and delivery model during the disruption caused by the pandemic. Now in its second year, the event will feature culinary professionals representing a variety of foodservice backgrounds, including major restaurant chains, independent restaurants, ghost kitchens and food trucks, who will gather in October to compete for a chance at up to $5,000 for their innovative To-Go recipes, CMAB said.

The inaugural Cal-Mex Invitational, scheduled for August, will capture creations from chefs who specialize in the culinary and flavor fusion of California and Mexican cuisines.

“Cheese is at the heart of culinary innovation, from creative pizzas to flavorful to-go and fusion dishes, said Mike Gallagher, business and market development consultant for the CMAB. “As the leading producer of Hispanic-style cheese and dairy products, we’re excited to add the Cal-Mex Invitational to our foodservice outreach program and to see what the chef’s develop. These competitions offer a tremendous opportunity to partner with culinary professionals to spotlight their creativity using our sustainably sourced Real California dairy products.”