S.Pellegrino Launches Young Chef Search
S.Pellegrino has announced the launch of the seventh edition of its Young Chef Academy Competition. The global initiative is designed to identify and mentor emerging culinary talent from around the world. Applications opened on February 16, inviting chefs under the age of 30 to participate.
- The competition is a multi-phased global event where participants first compete in one of 15 regional finals. The winners of these regional events then advance to the Grand Finale in Milan, Italy. - Beyond the main prize, the competition also presents three additional awards: the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, and the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award. - A panel of internationally recognized chefs serves as the Grand Jury for the finale. Previous juries have included acclaimed chefs like Jeremy Chan of the two-Michelin-starred Ikoyi in London and Julien Royer of the three-Michelin-starred Odette in Singapore. - The initial evaluation of applicants is conducted by ALMA, the prestigious International School of Italian Culinary Arts. Chefs are judged based on three "Golden Rules": technical skills, creativity, and a personal belief that is communicated through their signature dish. - The most recent winner was Nelson Freitas from Portugal, who took the title in 2023. An American chef, Mitch Lienhard, won the competition in 2016. - The initiative extends beyond the competition itself through the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, which provides ongoing education, mentorship, networking, and career opportunities to nurture the next generation of culinary talent.
