Born and raised in the small, picturesque town of George in the heart of the Garden Route, Alet Kilchenmann’s love of food was nurtured in her family’s kitchen, where she spent countless hours cooking alongside her mother and grandmother. These early experiences ignited a passion that would chart the course of her life, steering her towards a future filled with flavour, creativity and innovation.
Graduating from Outeniqua High School, Kilchenmann enrolled at The Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA) and immersed herself in a two-year professional cooking course, honing her skills and setting the foundation for her career.
Kilchenmann’s ambitions extended beyond the kitchen, however, and she delved into food media, mastering the art of cooking in front of a camera and captivating audiences with her gastronomic expertise. Her journey through the industry began in the kitchens of some of Franschhoek’s finest restaurants, including La Petite Ferme, The French Connection, Haute Cabrière and Le Quartier Français. These experiences not only sharpened her skills but also deepened her understanding of the intricate relationship between food, culture and community.
Her career took an exciting turn when she transitioned into the world of corporate food development. At just 25, Kilchenmann secured her first corporate role at Woolworths Foods as a food product developer. This role was a natural fit, allowing her to blend her culinary talents with her passion for food innovation: “My passion is definitely people, food and upskilling people in terms of food,” says Kilchenmann.
Kilchenmann’s expertise didn’t go unnoticed. She went on to consult for major South African brands like Pick ‘n Pay, while also making her mark in television. As a finalist on KykNet’s popular cooking show, Kokkedoor, and a regular on the Expresso Morning Show and Via TV, Kilchenmann became a familiar face to food enthusiasts across the country.
After nearly a decade with the Food Lover’s Market Group, where she was a development chef, product developer and trainer, Kilchenmann’s passion for food and upskilling others in the culinary arts was flourishing and her ability to mentor others became hallmarks of her career.
In late 2023, Kilchenmann was introduced to Grace Harding, CEO of Ocean Basket Holdings. Ocean Basket was on the hunt for an expert Head of Food and Kilchenmann was searching for a new challenge. The match was serendipitous. Since February 2024, Kilchenmann has been at the helm of Ocean Basket’s culinary direction, a role that has allowed her to blend her extensive experience with her passion for innovation. Today she is responsible for shaping the flavours and food experiences that define Ocean Basket.
Amidst this intensely busy work life Alet tied the knot with her South Africa born, Swiss husband eight years ago. Life now includes travels to Europe with their two beautiful children to visit family – an opportunity Kilchenmann exploits by checking out the ever-changing food scene and enhancing her knowledge.
As a woman leading the culinary charge at one of South Africa’s most beloved restaurant groups, Kilchenmann is not just shaping the future of Ocean Basket, she’s inspiring a new generation of women to follow their passion and carve out their own path in the world of food.
