Matsuda's Panettone Success
2025-09-12 03:11:16

Chef Takeshi Matsuda of Princi® Wins Prestigious Panettone World Cup Qualification

In an exciting achievement for the culinary world, Chef Takashi Matsuda, the head chef at the famous Italian bakery Princi®, has recently garnered recognition at the qualifying round for the FIPGC Panettone World Cup. This prestigious international competition, officially sanctioned by the Italian government, saw Matsuda clinch first place in the Innovation & Chocolate category, alongside a noteworthy third place in the Pandoro category.

The FIPGC, or Federazione Internazionale Pasticceria Gelateria Cioccolateria, is a global authority on pastry, gelato, and chocolate, and the Panettone World Cup stands out as a pinnacle event where only the most skilled professionals compete. Chef Matsuda expressed immense joy over his accolades, particularly highlighting his victorious creation, "Panettone Cioccolato Marrone," which debuted at Princi® in Japan back in 2022.

Matsuda's innovative take on the traditional panettone departs from the common methods seen in Italy that typically involve simple chocolate chips. Instead, his recipe features a rich chocolate-filled dough enhanced with chestnuts, hazelnuts, chocolate chips, and a hint of rum, creating a sophisticated flavor profile. The topping, adorned with hazelnuts and pearl sugar, adds both visual appeal and texture to the already exquisite product. With this significant achievement, Matsuda now has a pathway to compete in the highly anticipated World Cup event.

Looking ahead, he expresses aspirations for victory in the next global contest, striving to prove that Japan can excel in an arena dominated by European traditions. As awareness of panettone grows in Japan, Matsuda is committed to offering the authentic tastes of Italy through his work at Princi®. He reflects on the gradual rise in popularity of panettone over recent years, emphasizing the importance of delivering genuine Italian flavors to customers across Japan.

Chef Profile: Takashi Matsuda


Matsuda has built an impressive culinary background, first studying bread-making at a prestigious baking school in Japan before honing his skills in renowned bakeries. He held a significant role as the Grand Chef at VIRON, one of Japan's most famous boulangeries. His accolades include a second place finish at the prestigious "Mondial du Pain" globally, marking him as the first Japanese chef to achieve such a high rank. He has also secured a third place at the "Sigep International Bakery Cup" held in Italy. Captivated by the vast and rich world of Italian bread, he took on his role as head chef at Princi® in Japan in 2018 and now passionately devotes time to mentoring budding young bakers.

Product Information

Coming to the holiday season soon, the "Panettone Cioccolato Marrone" encapsulates the essence of Italian baking. This delicacy is crafted using panettone dough enhanced with bitter chocolate, creating a rich and inviting taste while the subtle notes of rum harmonize the overall flavor. The dough incorporates sweet chestnuts and provides a crunchy texture from the hazelnuts and chocolate chips, delivering a delightful mix of tastes and sensations. Garnished with hazelnuts, chocolate chips, and pearl sugar, each bite promises a unique blend of crunchy and fluffy textures.

About Princi®

Founded in Milan in 1985, Princi® is characterized by its Italian bakery offerings, providing a mouthwatering variety of breads, cornetti, pizzas, salads, and desserts. The menu is crafted with the utmost attention to detail and the finest ingredients, enabling customers to experience the essence of Italian culinary culture. There are 13 Princi® locations across Japan, partnering with Starbucks to present unparalleled experiences at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery in Milan.

For more details about Princi®, visit their official website or follow them on Instagram.


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Topics Consumer Products & Retail)

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