#Italy #Milan #Culinary Competition #Grand Finale #S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy

The Search for the Next Global Gastronomy Star

On October 28 and 29, 2025, Milan will be the epicenter of the culinary world as it hosts the Grand Finale of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition. This prestigious event, highly anticipated by gastronomes and chefs alike, will determine the next star of global gastronomy from a pool of exceptionally talented young chefs.

The sixth edition of the competition culminates a rigorous two-year journey involving participants from 55 countries across 15 regions. The winner will not only showcase exceptional culinary skills but will also embody the Academy's mission of shaping the future of gastronomy through creativity, passion, and purpose.

The theme for this year's competition is "Bring Your Future to the Table," encouraging young chefs to express their unique perspectives and identities through their culinary creations. This event signifies a pivotal moment for emerging chefs to propose innovative solutions that redefine hospitality and the culinary landscape as we know it.

The Grand Jury, featuring seven culinary legends—Christophe Bacquié, Jeremy Chan, Antonia Klugmann, Niki Nakayama, Elena Reygadas, Julien Royer, and Mitsuharu Tsumura—gathers in Milan to identify these rising stars. Renowned chef Bacquié, from Le Table des Amis, noted that cooking from the soul and showcasing one's deepest beliefs through cuisine brings about real magic. He emphasized that the competition transcends traditional culinary contests, becoming a culinary confession—a dialogue with the world about personal values and representation.

Similarly, Nakayama from n/naka in Los Angeles expressed that this competition highlights the significance of personal beliefs. In her view, the cooking art surpasses technical skills and evolves into a powerful narrative method, reflecting the most profound culinary expressions.

The jury will assess the 15 finalists based on their creativity, technical proficiency, and how well their dishes embody their vision for the future of gastronomy. Tsumura, whose restaurant Maido was recently named the best in the world, shared insights on the importance of ingredients, culture, and intention in creating memorable culinary experiences. He underscored the connection between the diner and the dish as a fundamental aspect of true gastronomy.

The jury members assert the critical role of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy in redefining the future of the restaurant industry. According to Chan, co-founder of the celebrated London restaurant Ikoyi, the next wave of culinary innovation lies with these budding chefs who are pushing boundaries through flavors, techniques, and values such as sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Royer, known for his three-star Michelin restaurant Odette in Singapore, highlighted the delicate balance between honoring culinary traditions and embracing contemporary influences. He believes the culinary industry should support and inspire young chefs, a sentiment shared by Klugmann, a member of the jury and a Michelin-starred chef who highlighted the Academy's mentorship as a driving force for the future of the culinary field.

Elena Reygadas, a Michelin-starred chef in Mexico City and founder of the Elena Reygadas Scholarship, stressed the importance of inclusion in gastronomy, aligning with S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy's commitment to diversity and opportunity within the industry.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition serves as a global platform where today's culinary leaders empower tomorrow's innovators, creating a community that celebrates the art of gastronomy. The winner will be announced at a gala dinner on October 29, alongside the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award and other prestigious honors.

To explore more about how S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is nurturing the culinary talent of the future, please visit S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy

About S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy

The culinary arts have the potential to transform society, offering a more inclusive and sustainable future that requires talent. S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy focuses on attracting, connecting, and nurturing the next generation of culinary talent through education, mentorship, and experiential opportunities. It opens its doors to members from over 70 countries, ensuring that talent is recognized beyond geographical, ethnic, or gender barriers.

For further information, visit S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy.

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are leading international brands of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., headquartered in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries, these brands are synonymous with quality and excellence, reflecting the essence of the Italian lifestyle across the globe.

With a legacy of over 120 years, Sanpellegrino leads the Italian non-alcoholic beverage sector, offering a range of mineral waters, aperitifs, and soft drinks, while actively pursuing sustainability in water sourcing.