Merete Holst is a Danish chef and gastronomic entrepreneur with three decades of experience, known for raising the standard of everyday food and for her leadership in sustainable gastronomy. From fine dining at d’Angleterre to canteens, catering and her own company, she has consistently pushed what a meal can be and achieve.
As co-founder and head of gastronomy at LOCA Gruppen, Holst has become one of the most influential figures in Danish food, championing quality and sustainability across every kind of dining.
TL;DR
- Danish chef and gastronomic entrepreneur
- Around 30 years of experience in the food industry
- Trained as a chef at Hotel d’Angleterre in 1989
- Former CEO of Meyers Kantiner with Claus Meyer
- Co-founder and head of gastronomy at LOCA Gruppen
Merete Holst key facts
| Nationality | Danish |
| Profession | Chef and gastronomic entrepreneur |
| Trained at | Hotel d’Angleterre, 1989 |
| Company | LOCA Gruppen (co-founder) |
| Known for | Sustainable, high-quality everyday gastronomy |
A gastronomic journey
Merete Holst has around thirty years of experience in the food industry. Her career began when she trained as a chef at the renowned Hotel d’Angleterre in Copenhagen in 1989. Throughout her career she has been driven by a passion for raising the bar for what a meal can be, whether in gourmet restaurants, hospital kitchens, workplace canteens or the interval at the Opera.
Meyers Kantiner
From 2008 to 2017 Holst was CEO and partner with Claus Meyer at Meyers Kantiner and contract catering. As the face of the business she quadrupled its foundation, ultimately overseeing around 80 canteens and nine food and beverage establishments, and helped win the award for Denmark’s best canteen four times.
LOCA Gruppen
In 2017 Holst became an independent entrepreneur with her partner Dorte Juhl Ostergaard, founding LOCA Gruppen, where she serves as CEO and head of gastronomy. The group runs LOCA Restauranter, the canteen business LOCA Kantiner and the consultancy LOCA Management, advising on food and sustainable gastronomy.
Signature approach
Holst’s work is defined by a belief that good, sustainable food belongs everywhere, not just in fine-dining rooms. She combines high culinary standards with a strong commitment to sustainability, and has become one of the leading voices in Danish gastronomy.
Merete Holst in context
Holst is one of the leading figures in Danish gastronomy featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside chefs such as Francis Cardenau.
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Merete Holst FAQ
Who is Merete Holst?
A Danish chef and gastronomic entrepreneur with three decades of experience.
Where did she train?
At the Hotel d’Angleterre in Copenhagen, in 1989.
What did she do at Meyers?
She was CEO and partner at Meyers Kantiner with Claus Meyer.
What is LOCA Gruppen?
Her own company, focused on sustainable gastronomy.
What is she known for?
Raising the standard of everyday, sustainable food.
