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Ardy Ferguson Wins the Prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award 2025

In an exciting culmination of culinary talent and creativity, Ardy Ferguson has secured the title of winner in the esteemed S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25. The event took place over two fabulous days at the historic Castello Sforzesco in Milan, where Ardy competed against 14 other talented finalists from around the globe. His winning dish, titled 'Celebration of the Archipelago,' stood out for its innovative yet genuine reflection of culinary traditions.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy represents a vibrant global community that empowers young culinary talents through unparalleled connections to renowned chefs, educational opportunities, mentorship, and networking avenues. This competition brings together promising young chefs from 55 countries and 15 regions, creating a platform that highlights the extraordinary creativity and skill of the upcoming generation in the culinary arts.

Ardy’s dish was selected as the winning entry by a distinguished panel of judges, including Michelin-starred chefs such as Christophe Bacquié, Jeremy Chan, and Elena Reygadas. The jury praised Ferguson for his exceptional technical precision and a unique vision that connected deeply with the essence of his dish. The ‘Celebration of the Archipelago’ was deemed a perfect embodiment of the competition’s values: skill, passion, and purpose.

Expressing his gratitude, Ferguson stated, "I am incredibly honored to have been named the winner of the 2025 S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition. Representing Asia on this global stage has been an unforgettable experience. Creating my dish allowed me to share the vibrant culinary traditions of Indonesia, which have inspired me greatly. This journey challenged me both creatively and technically and connected me with some of the world’s most inspiring chefs. I am profoundly grateful to my mentor, Vicky Lau, for her guidance, and to S.Pellegrino for building such an extraordinary platform that empowers and celebrates young chefs."

The award ceremony hosted an exceptional gastronomic experience, featuring a dinner specially crafted by culinary icons Pía León and Jessica Rosval, showcasing the significant strides made by rising talents in the kitchen.

Also awarded during the gala were several special accolades. Chef Zanté Neethling received the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award for her dish "Tribute to Tara Khoi-Khoin," recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices. Chef Noah Wynants from Northern Europe was honored with the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award for his vegan rendition of the renowned Dutch dish, ‘Rendang’, which harmonizes tradition with innovation. Lastly, Chef Nicolás A. López from the USA received the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award—an award decided by public vote—for his dish, ‘Pork with a Touch of the Sea’, which reflects his personal beliefs and values.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy offers exceptional opportunities for young talents in the culinary sector to gain invaluable experience and knowledge. With Ardy Ferguson now joining an elite cadre of chefs, he is set to positively influence the culinary world and the broader community.

To watch highlights from the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25, visit the official social media channels of S.Pellegrino Academy and Sanpellegrino. For more details about the competition, check out sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international brands of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries, these beverages represent quality and excellence through their origins and perfectly embody the Italian lifestyle worldwide, emphasizing pleasure, health, and well-being. With over 120 years of leadership in the non-alcoholic beverage sector in Italy, Sanpellegrino offers a wide range of mineral waters, aperitifs, and soft drinks, committed to safeguarding this vital resource for the planet.