S.Pellegrino Reveals Global Jury for 2026-27 Young Chef Competition
Seven culinary icons have been appointed to the Grand Finale jury for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026-27 in Milan. This panel of industry leaders will evaluate finalists under 30, shifting the focus from mere technical proficiency to social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and the ability to drive cultural change.
The selected jurors bring diverse philosophies to the table, ranging from the three-Michelin-starred precision of Enrico 'Chicco' Cerea and Ana Roš to the conceptual, research-driven approaches of Junghyun 'JP' Park and Rodolfo Guzmán. They are joined by Pichaya 'Pam' Soontornyanakij, known for her mastery of Thai-Chinese heritage, social advocate Jessica Rosval, and competitive master Martino Ruggieri. Together, they aim to mentor the next generation of chefs, emphasizing that modern gastronomy requires a balance of rigorous discipline and a personal, purposeful vision.
Finalists currently navigating the 15 Regional Finals—overseen by the Alma International School of Italian Culinary Arts—are being judged on their technical skills, creativity, and personal belief. Beyond the top award, the competition includes honors for social responsibility, personal expression, and the integration of tradition with modernity. The winners from these regional stages will eventually converge in Milan to present their signature dishes to this global jury, marking the culmination of a process designed to identify leaders who view the kitchen as a vehicle for broader societal impact.
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