Unilever’s Desafío del Sabor’ cooking challenge returns.

Unilever unveil the 2007 Desafío del Sabor (The Flavor Challenge) audition tour schedule. In its second year, the Desafío del Sabor competition, Unilever’s Hispanic-focused promotion, provides individual self proclaimed “chefs” with the opportunity to show off their talent in the kitchen and in front of the cameras.

“Desafío del Sabor was such a tremendous success last year that we had to bring it back, better and even more ambitious than before,” said Lisa Klauser, Vice President Brand Building and Marketing Excellence, Unilever United States. “We’re thrilled to introduce Desafío del Sabor to even more Hispanic consumers across the country as it brings together the passion for cooking with the excitement of competition.”

Desafío del Sabor was such a tremendous success last year that we had to bring it back, better and even more ambitious than before

This year Desafío del Sabor is heading to multiple cities across the country in hopes of finding regular people with a passion for cooking to participate in live auditions at local area supermarkets. Consumers will also be able to post their own auditions online at http://www.desafiodelsabor.com.

Preliminary 2007 Desafío del Sabor Audition Calendar

— Miami, FL – May 12 and 13, 2007
— New Hyde Park, NY – May 12, 2007
— Houston, TX. – May 19 and 20, 2007; May 26 and 27, 2007
— Los Angeles, CA – May 19 – 20, 2007
— Phoenix, AZ – May 26 – 27, 2007 and June 2, 2007
— Hopelawn, NJ – July 8, 2007

Celebrity chef and household personality Chef Pepín will be joining the program for the second year in a row to host a number of the auditions and appear on the final televised program. “This contest was created for Hispanic consumers who love to cook,” said Chef Pepín. “In the Hispanic culture, food and cooking are not only basic needs but a social center piece for each household. I’m excited to be participating in this program once again and look forward to meeting the talented pool of contestants Desafío del Sabor has in store!”

Two finalists will be selected to compete in a nationally televised segment for a grand prize of $25,000. The Cook-Off will be taped and telecast on Galavisión, the nation’s leading Spanish-language cable network, and TeleFutura, a general interest Spanish-language broadcast network, on a date to be determined. Each finalist will have the opportunity to prepare a special dish of their choice during the show. Additionally, the Grand prize winner will also have the chance to play to win $1 million.

The campaign is supported by several leading Unilever brands including Knorr, Ragu, Lipton and Hellmann’s/Best Foods.