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S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Announces Collateral Award Winners

On October 6, 2025, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy revealed the global recipients of their esteemed collateral awards. This announcement precedes the highly anticipated Grand Finale of the 2024-25 Competition, set to take place in Milan on October 28-29. These awards, considered a pivotal achievement in the culinary world, highlight the talents of young chefs from various regions who have distinguished themselves through a competitive selection process that began with local contests in 15 global areas.

Among the noteworthy award winners is Chef Zanté Neethling, from the Africa, Middle East, and South Asia region, who received the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award. This award honors a dish that epitomizes social responsibility and ethical food practices—vital components in today’s culinary landscape. Neethling’s celebrated dish, Tribute to the Khoi-Khoin Taras, showcases indigenous knowledge and brings to light the importance of sustainability and biodiversity in modern gastronomy. Currently the Executive Sous Chef at Beyond in Cape Town, Neethling strives to advocate for regenerative practices, stating, “Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a responsibility to regenerate, preserve, and share knowledge that connects us to nature.”

Chef Noah Wynants, hailing from North Europe, was honored with the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award. This accolade is given to the chef whose signature dish harmoniously blends tradition and innovation. Wynants impressed judges with a plant-based reimagining of the traditional Dutch dish Rendang, crafted entirely from local vegetables and fruits. As he expressed, “With this dish, I aim to demonstrate that global flavors can be created with something as simple as local produce.” His thoughtful interpretation reflects a commitment to sustainable sourcing without sacrificing flavor.

The Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award was granted to Chef Nicolás A. Lopez from the United States, chosen through a public vote. Lopez’s winning dish, Pork with Hints of the Sea, is a profound representation of his personal culinary journey and dedication to sustainability. He articulated that his dish symbolizes the lessons learned from various chefs throughout his career while minimizing waste and honoring every ingredient on the plate. “It conveys my transition from local pubs to fine dining,” Lopez noted, highlighting the emotional resonance his creation holds.

These three awards underscore the relentless pursuit of culinary excellence while promoting values of sustainability and cultural connection through the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy. The winners will be formally recognized during the Grand Finale, where the overall young chef of the year will be announced in front of an esteemed Grand Jury comprised of seven renowned chefs.

About S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy aims to empower emerging talents in the culinary world, fostering connection, education, and experience through their globally recognized competition. With participation from over 70 countries, the Academy serves as a platform for aspiring chefs to engage with key figures in gastronomy and cultivate a supportive culinary community.

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, internationally recognized trademarks from Sanpellegrino S.p.A., represent the pinnacle of quality in the non-alcoholic beverage sector. Distributed in over 150 countries, these brands embody Italian elegance, health, and wellbeing—ensuring that the future of our planet's resources remains secure.

To explore more about the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, visit their official site.