Italy has reaffirmed its global leadership in high-end confectionery, achieving extraordinary success at the FIPGC Panettone World Cup held in Tokyo. The competition, hosted at the Italian Cultural Institute, saw Italian master pastry chefs excel on the international stage, securing two gold medals and one silver. This achievement highlights the unparalleled craftsmanship behind Italy’s most iconic holiday leavened product.
Italian excellence on the global stage
The competition drew participants from 48 countries, reinforcing the status of panettone as a true ambassador of Italian taste. In the Panettone Classico category, master pastry chef Ruggiero Carli (pictured above) took the top honors, proving the technical superiority of the traditional recipe. Meanwhile, Enrico Casarano captured the gold in the Panettone al Cioccolato category, further cementing Italy’s reputation for innovation and quality. Additionally, Domenico Manfredi earned a silver medal in the Pandoro category, showcasing the versatility of Italian masters.
Team Italy was led by President and juror Matteo Cutolo, who emphasized that these results are not just about personal achievement, but a testament to the dedication invested in professional training and the preservation of culinary heritage. The Federazione Internazionale Pasticceria, Gelateria e Cioccolateria (FIPGC) continues to play a vital role in elevating these standards through rigorous international competitions.
The road to the grand finale in Naples
Following the triumph in Japan, the attention now shifts to the ultimate challenge: the Miglior Panettone del Mondo final. The event will take place on November 15-16 during Fiera Gustus at the Mostra d’Oltremare in Naples. Out of 100 initial candidates, only 30 finalists have qualified to compete for the title across four distinct categories: Panettone Classico, Panettone Innovativo, Panettone Salato, and Pandoro.
The Naples event promises to be a high-stakes showcase of technical precision. As the global demand for premium, authentic Italian leavened products continues to rise, the upcoming final represents a crucial appointment for international buyers and industry stakeholders looking to identify the absolute pinnacle of current artisanal production.