FLORIAN TRENTO, group executive chef of The Peninsula, has received the Chevalier du Mérite Agricole from the French government at a private ceremony in Hong Kong.
Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Christile Drulhe, presented the “Mérite Agricole” to Trento in honour of his expertise in and work in food, wine and hospitality.
“Chef Florian Trento has an outstanding history in promoting French haute cuisine and French gourmet products at The Peninsula Hong Kong, one of the very best temples of French food and wines in this city of connoisseurs,” Drulhe said.
“I am very happy to bestow upon Chef Trento the Ordre du Mérite Agricole, the highest official distinction for the promotion of French gastronomy abroad.”
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The Mérite Agricole was created in 1883 and previous recipients include chief operating officer of The Peninsula Peter Camille Borer, researcher Louis Pasteur, King Charles III and actress Catherine Deneuve.
Chef Trento said: “I am sharing this honour with The Peninsula family and The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited, of the past and present; as well as with all my friends and colleagues who were with me on this incredible journey of discovery. It is a lifelong learning journey, and there is much to be discovered!”
A Swiss national who completed his culinary training and apprenticeship in Switzerland, Chef Trento joined The Peninsula Hong Kong in 1987 and was appointed Executive Chef in 1991, clocking up an 36 years of services at the Grande Dame. Since 2013, he has held the title of Group Executive Chef, and currently oversees eight restaurants at The Peninsula Hong Kong and directs the overall culinary strategy for The Peninsula Hotels worldwide.
