Chef of the Year

Chef and product developer Krista MacQuarrie was recently 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. 

In addition to this honour, MacQuarrie was also named the Culinary Federation’s Eastern Region Chef of the Year, earning 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 for the past 16 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.

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.

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 College–UPEI program.