Food has the power to improve wellbeing, bring people together and support a more sustainable future. That belief has guided the work of Jessie Sommarström, Executive Chef at Sodexo Sweden, who has been awarded the KTH Great Prize 2026, one of Sweden's most prestigious recognitions for societal impact and innovation, for advancing sustainable, nutritious and accessible food for all.
The award highlights her ability to bring together culinary excellence, health, sustainability and social responsibility, proving that high-quality meals can be both enjoyable and accessible to everyone.
Known to many for creating the celebrated menu for the 2024 Nobel Banquet, her impact extends far beyond fine dining. At Sodexo, she focuses on enhancing everyday dining experiences and helps shape culinary concepts, recipes and standards that balance taste, nutrition and environmental responsibility. Working closely with operational teams across Sweden, Jessie also supports chef development while promoting responsible sourcing, plant-forward choices and food waste reduction. Her approach is rooted in a simple conviction: everyone should have access to sufficient, nutritious food, while taste, enjoyment and care for our planet should guide how we develop the meals of tomorrow.
In its citation, the KTH jury praised her work in demonstrating how gastronomy can help address some of society's most pressing challenges, including public health, sustainability and the responsible use of resources.
This distinction also reflects Sodexo's ambition to create positive experiences through food while helping clients and consumers make healthier and more sustainable choices every day.
Sodexo wins the Sustainability Excellence Award at the World Sustainability Awards 2026
Sodexo Partners with Clients to Take Food Waste Reduction Further
Succession to Sodexo’s Chair of the Board of Directors
