Apply now for S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25

Applications for S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25, the world’s most exciting culinary talent search, are now open.

The Competition, returning for a sixth edition after a successful showing in 2022-23, gives young chefs the opportunity to showcase their unique skills, talent and creativity on a global stage, with a series of Regional Finals, judged by esteemed local chef juries, in late 2024 before the Grand Finale in Milan in 2025.

To apply, young chefs under 30 years of age who have worked in a restaurant for at least a year have until 19 June to submit a recipe for a signature dish that expresses their personal vision, beliefs and creativity.

All eyes in the gastronomic world will be on the Competition as a showcase for the game-changing culinary talent of the future, chefs who have the power and talent to improve and evolve gastronomy.

As ever, initial applications will be assessed by ALMA,the School of Italian Culinary Arts - www.alma.scuolacucina.it, which will draw up the shortlist of competitors ahead of the Regional Finals. The winners of the Regional Finals will then travel to the Grand Finale where they will cook for a Grand Jury of world-renowned chefs for a chance to claim the ultimate prize, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award.

That title was won by young Portuguese chef Nelson Freitas in 2022-23. The last edition saw over 160 exciting young hopefuls pass the initial assessment round, of what is also one of the biggest networking events in the culinary calendar, with some of the most influential names in gastronomy in attendance throughout the stages.

Speaking about the Competition, Freitas said: “It was an amazing experience. I feel that I´ve grown in a professional and personal way, discovering new horizons and a renewed motivation for the future. For me it was not an end point but the beginning of a new journey. The Competition is the ideal context for all the young chefs who desire to show their work and test themselves. My advice for the new participants is: bring something personal, bring something you feel a deep connection with to show your very best!”

Participants also have the opportunity to compete for three additional awards alongside the main prize:

The S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, voted for by the Sustainable Restaurant Association which runs the Food Made Good program, which is awarded to the young chef whose signature dish best represents the principle that food is at its best when it’s the result of socially responsible practices;

The Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, voted for by the Competition mentors, which is given to the young chef who best highlights both the traditional culinary practices of their region and their own personal modern vision, providing a connection between the past and the future.;

And the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, voted for by Fine Dining Lovers readers, which is given to the young chef who best represents their personal beliefs with a signature dish.

What’s more, all participants automatically become members of the inspiring global community that is the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, with all of the fantastic personal and career development opportunities it offers.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to win, that you can cook with the very best and triumph, check out the full regulations and start your application now.