SPECIAL REPORT
MOSIMANN’S PHILIPP MOSIMANN HAS HAD A FRONT ROW SEAT ON THE KING’S LOVE OF EXCELLENT CUISINE
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hilipp Mosimann seems pleasantly amused by the pace of life at the moment: “You know, on top of everything for the Royal Warrant holders, it’s our 35th anniversary. It’s an exciting year, and it’s non-stop!” But he says this without any note of weariness: this is a man who plainly loves his work. Mosimann’s acquired the Royal Warrant from Charles who was then Prince of Wales in 2000, having provided services since the early 1990s. “We had been working with Her Royal Highness, having had many fundraising events, including doing the catering at Prague importance, and who are advocates of such an association – and then you have those who are perhaps a bit the reverse. But internationally, there’s this massive respect which goes with it.”
Heritage Fund,” he recalls. “Princess Diana was a huge follower of my father’s cuisine back in the Dorchester days. Over time we began working on different events, including some big state events.” On numerous such occasions, Mosimann has observed at close proximity the King’s delight at cuisine, and his intelligent curiosity. “He loves it, and that comes from having run a Duchy with a huge amount of land. He’s been a big champion of organic produce – way before it was fashionable to be so. He really believes that
everything ought to be pure.” For Mosimann, part of the joy of the Royal Warrant is being part of the family of the Royal Warrant Holders Association. “It’s 800 completely mixed companies and I absolutely love that,” he explains. “You meet the most amazing people and all of them serve the Royal Household and all of them have a remarkable story.” He also notes the differences between the UK and international reaction to having secured the accolade. “In the UK, you have people who understand its
And how does that manifest itself? “Particularly in countries like Japan or China – or if you look at countries in the Middle East with their Kings – they have an innate understanding for why the Royal connection matters. That in itself is a great window into the ambassadorial role of the association abroad.” Mosimann also explains how fervently royal his native Swiss are. “They’re very royalist. For them the royal crest is huge and I think we sometimes don’t quite see that here – we can be a bit myopic.” Nor does he take the continuation of the Warrant for granted. “The Royal Warrant is based on the wishes of the Royal Family. We will do our utmost all the time for as long as we can. We’ll be here for another 35 years!” And listening to him, you certainly wouldn’t bet against that.” www.mosimann.com www.finito.org.uk
ISSUE 8
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