RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX is an association of 580 exceptional restaurants and hotels located in 65 countries. An organisation of acclaimed establishments that have collectively earned 370 Michelin stars - it also has enormous power and influence in society. This is why Relais & Châteaux members, in partnership with Ethic Ocean - are today speaking with one voice; the voice of a campaign drawing attention to the need to stop sourcing and using over-exploited species in the kitchen.
Mauro Colagreco (Mirazur, Menton, France), Vice President, Chefs of Relais & Châteaux:
"This is an extremely important and urgent issue. We must act responsibly and avoid serving Guests species that are overfished or farmed without respect for the environment."
World Ocean Day and Relais & Châteaux - together since 2009
On 8 June 2024, we are once again reminded of the enormous importance of aquatic ecosystems for the health of the planet. We are forced to reflect on our habits and ask the question: how are we protecting the oceans and their resources?
This is the ninth consecutive edition of World Ocean Day - this year following on from the UN-raised slogan 'Awaken the New Deeps'. Relais & Châteaux's member establishments are most often family-run businesses, dedicated to culinary craftsmanship, the preservation of culinary and hospitality traditions and placing great importance on preserving local heritage as well as protecting the environment. These are the values of the Association, which were announced more than a decade ago, in November 2014.
The initiative was initially taken by the Association's former Vice-President, Olivier Roellinger (Maisons de Bricourt, Cancale, France), and former President Philippe Gombert (Château de la Treyne, France). The vision is currently led by President Laurent Gardinier (Le Taillevent, Domaine Les Crayères, France) and the aforementioned Mauro Colagreco.
"As an Association, we have a huge impact on global culinary culture. We need to offer our guests ethical cuisine, with full respect for the world's resources. As chefs, we can really help to protect our planet: it's about making the right choices to significantly improve our relationship with the environment. Our commitment to eel conservation is a perfect example; we need to change our behaviour to save this and other endangered species."
- says Mauro Colagreco.
Relais & Châteaux has joined the #eelnothankyou campaign run by the Ethic Ocean at the end of 2023 to unite chefs around the world in defence of this species that is disappearing before our eyes.
Under a common flag
Relais & Châteaux member chefs have long been closely linked to their local communities. As many as 20% of the Association's venues are located directly on fresh or sea water. The success of their cuisine depends on working with small local producers who care about the environment.
As a proud representative of the Baltic Sea, we also place great importance on ensuring that our cuisine is ethical and respects natural resources. This is why you will not find eel or other endangered species on the White Rabbit menu.
Not least on 8 June, when we celebrate biodiversity with our friends from the Relais & Châteaux Association's other great venues.