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Unveiling the Global Jury for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026-27

The culinary world is buzzing with excitement as the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy announces the seven culinary visionaries who make up the prestigious Global Jury for the upcoming Grand Finale of the 2026-27 competition. With a focus on nurturing the next generation of culinary talent, this esteemed panel not only brings their culinary expertise but also a commitment to sustainability, cultural diversity, and mentorship.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is committed to identifying and supporting young chefs who will redefine the future of gastronomy. The Global Jury will evaluate candidates based on key criteria including technical skill, creativity, and a strong personal philosophy. They are looking for talented individuals who view cooking not just as a means to create delicious food, but also as a powerful medium for social change and environmental consciousness.

The Distinguished Jury Members

1. Enrico 'Chicco' Cerea (Da Vittorio, Italy)
As a beacon of Italian haute cuisine, Cerea has led Da Vittorio in Brusaporto to three Michelin stars. He emphasizes the importance of respecting ingredients and the discipline required in professional kitchens. "A kitchen is a space built on teamwork and a true passion for culinary artistry," he states.

2. Rodolfo Guzmán (Boragó, Chile)
Renowned for his work at Boragó, recognized as the world's most sustainable restaurant in 2021, Guzmán advocates for a circular approach to sustainability. He encourages young chefs to explore their local environments and innovate using underappreciated ingredients.

3. Junghyun 'JP' Park (Atomix, USA)
The Seoul-born, New York-based chef is renowned for revolutionizing Korean cuisine. His restaurant Atomix has garnered two Michelin stars. Park seeks chefs who combine rigorous research with culinary tradition to create globally appealing dishes.

4. Chef Pichaya 'Pam' Soontornyanakij (Potong, Thailand)
As a trailblazer in Thai-Chinese cuisine, Soontornyanakij is committed to storytelling through her culinary creations. She aims to identify chefs who honor their heritage while showcasing technical mastery.

5. Jessica Rosval (Al Gatto Verde, Italy)
A protégé of Massimo Bottura, Rosval has a heart for social issues, demonstrated through her work with the Roots restaurant. She believes in the unifying power of food, looking for chefs who employ their platform for meaningful storytelling and community building.

6. Ana Roš (Hiša Franko, Slovenia)
As one of the few female chefs to manage a three-Michelin-star kitchen, Roš emphasizes regional preservation through her cuisine. She is particularly interested in how chefs connect their identity and local landscapes with their culinary creations.

7. Martino Ruggieri (Maison Ruggieri, France)
Ruggieri, blending Italian and French influences in his cooking, emphasizes the balance between technical precision and emotional expression in gastronomy. He will assess how finalists perform under culinary pressure while creating personal artistic statements.

The Path Ahead

With the formation of the Global Jury, the competition now moves into the Regional Finals phase, where top young chefs from around the world will showcase their skills. These finalists will be judged not just for culinary proficiency, but for creativity, awareness, and personal vision. The climax of this journey will culminate in the Grand Finale in Milan, where finalists will prepare their signature dishes under the guidance of top chefs, vying for recognition from the Global Jury.

In addition to the significant accolades, various collateral awards will honor specific aspects of modern gastronomy, such as sustainability practices, personal expressions through food, and the fusion of tradition with contemporary techniques.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy not only represents a competition but also signifies a global movement towards a future of responsible and innovative culinary practices. For those interested in following the competition and learning more about the participants, updates are available at S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy's website.

About S.Pellegrino

S.Pellegrino, alongside Acqua Panna, has established itself as a leader in the global beverage sector. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, these brands symbolize Italian excellence, aligning perfectly with the ethos of the Young Chef Academy.