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Applications open 16th February, inviting the world's most talented chefs under 30 to apply
MILAN, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- S.Pellegrino announces the launch of the seventh edition of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition the global initiative designed to identify and support the most promising young chefs under 30. Open to applicants worldwide for four months, the Competition once again invites emerging culinary talent from across the globe to step onto an international stage and help shape the future of gastronomy.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/s_pellegrino/9383951-en-search-next-generation-culinary-talent-begins-seventh-edition
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is more than a culinary contest. It is a platform dedicated to discovering talent, fostering creativity, and supporting young chefs as they develop their own culinary voice. Through mentoring and access to influential figures in gastronomy, the Academy offers a transformative opportunity to accelerate professional journeys and gain international visibility.
The Competition brings together chefs from all over the world, who are divided into 15 regions and selected by ALMA, the International School of Italian Culinary Arts. Shortlisted chefs then compete in 15 Regional Finals, with regional winners advancing to the Grand Finale. Throughout the Competition, chefs are assessed on three key elements: technical skill, creativity, and personal belief.
As an additional benefit of being part of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, this edition also introduces a new mentorship initiative, reinforcing the Academy's long-term commitment to supporting chefs beyond the competition itself. As part of this initiative, Ardy Ferguson, Global Winner of the 2024–25 edition, will take part in a dedicated mentorship experience, spending three weeks working alongside two internationally renowned chefs who served on the jury in the previous edition of the Competition: Julien Royer and Jeremy Chan. This mentorship is designed to offer meaningful guidance and professional exchange, while serving as an added source of inspiration for young chefs considering applying.
Reflecting on his experience, Ardy Ferguson, Winner of the 2024–25 edition, said:"The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy has been an unforgettable experience and has provided me with opportunities in ways I couldn't have imagined. Being able to continue learning with chefs I admire so much is incredible, and it allows me to keep pushing my craft and building on everything the Academy offers as I continue to grow as a Chef."
Julien Royer, founder and chef of Odette, Singapore, added: "The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy offers young chefs an extraordinary opportunity to test themselves on a global stage. The journey to the Grand Finale is intense and demanding, but it's also incredibly rewarding, pushing chefs to refine their skills, clarify their vision, and grow both professionally and personally. The Academy creates an environment where talent is challenged, supported, and given the space to truly evolve."
Jeremy Chan, founder and chef of Ikoyi, London, commented: "What makes the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy special is its focus on individuality and belief. Cooking at the highest level requires conviction as much as skill, and this competition gives young chefs the space and confidence to develop their own voice. Being able to support that process, and to engage with chefs at such a formative moment in their careers, is incredibly rewarding."
Applications for the seventh edition of the Competition are open to chefs under 30 years of age from 16th February until 9th June 2026, via the official application platform. Candidates are invited to submit a signature dish that reflects their personal belief, technical skill, and creativity.
As in previous editions, the initial selection phase will shortlist candidates to progress to the 15 Regional Finals, taking place across multiple regions worldwide. Regional winners will then advance to the Grand Finale, where they will present their dishes to an esteemed Grand Jury of internationally recognised chefs. Alongside competing for the main title, participants will also be eligible for three collateral awards celebrating social responsibility, connection to culinary heritage, and the expression of personal belief through food.
To discover more about the competition, please visit sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.
About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna
S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality, excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Sanpellegrino, with its iconic products and a history of over 120 years is the leading company in Italy in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, offering a wide range of mineral waters, aperitifs, and soft drinks.
Sanpellegrino has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.
Applications open 16th February, inviting the world's most talented chefs under 30 to apply
MILAN, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- S.Pellegrino announces the launch of the seventh edition of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition the global initiative designed to identify and support the most promising young chefs under 30. Open to applicants worldwide for four months, the Competition once again invites emerging culinary talent from across the globe to step onto an international stage and help shape the future of gastronomy.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/s_pellegrino/9383951-en-search-next-generation-culinary-talent-begins-seventh-edition
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is more than a culinary contest. It is a platform dedicated to discovering talent, fostering creativity, and supporting young chefs as they develop their own culinary voice. Through mentoring and access to influential figures in gastronomy, the Academy offers a transformative opportunity to accelerate professional journeys and gain international visibility.
The Competition brings together chefs from all over the world, who are divided into 15 regions and selected by ALMA, the International School of Italian Culinary Arts. Shortlisted chefs then compete in 15 Regional Finals, with regional winners advancing to the Grand Finale. Throughout the Competition, chefs are assessed on three key elements: technical skill, creativity, and personal belief.
As an additional benefit of being part of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, this edition also introduces a new mentorship initiative, reinforcing the Academy's long-term commitment to supporting chefs beyond the competition itself. As part of this initiative, Ardy Ferguson, Global Winner of the 2024–25 edition, will take part in a dedicated mentorship experience, spending three weeks working alongside two internationally renowned chefs who served on the jury in the previous edition of the Competition: Julien Royer and Jeremy Chan. This mentorship is designed to offer meaningful guidance and professional exchange, while serving as an added source of inspiration for young chefs considering applying.
Reflecting on his experience, Ardy Ferguson, Winner of the 2024–25 edition, said:"The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy has been an unforgettable experience and has provided me with opportunities in ways I couldn't have imagined. Being able to continue learning with chefs I admire so much is incredible, and it allows me to keep pushing my craft and building on everything the Academy offers as I continue to grow as a Chef."
Julien Royer, founder and chef of Odette, Singapore, added: "The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy offers young chefs an extraordinary opportunity to test themselves on a global stage. The journey to the Grand Finale is intense and demanding, but it's also incredibly rewarding, pushing chefs to refine their skills, clarify their vision, and grow both professionally and personally. The Academy creates an environment where talent is challenged, supported, and given the space to truly evolve."
Jeremy Chan, founder and chef of Ikoyi, London, commented: "What makes the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy special is its focus on individuality and belief. Cooking at the highest level requires conviction as much as skill, and this competition gives young chefs the space and confidence to develop their own voice. Being able to support that process, and to engage with chefs at such a formative moment in their careers, is incredibly rewarding."
Applications for the seventh edition of the Competition are open to chefs under 30 years of age from 16th February until 9th June 2026, via the official application platform. Candidates are invited to submit a signature dish that reflects their personal belief, technical skill, and creativity.
As in previous editions, the initial selection phase will shortlist candidates to progress to the 15 Regional Finals, taking place across multiple regions worldwide. Regional winners will then advance to the Grand Finale, where they will present their dishes to an esteemed Grand Jury of internationally recognised chefs. Alongside competing for the main title, participants will also be eligible for three collateral awards celebrating social responsibility, connection to culinary heritage, and the expression of personal belief through food.
To discover more about the competition, please visit sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.
About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna
S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality, excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Sanpellegrino, with its iconic products and a history of over 120 years is the leading company in Italy in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, offering a wide range of mineral waters, aperitifs, and soft drinks.
Sanpellegrino has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
The Search for the Next Generation of Culinary Talent Begins as the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition Launches Its Seventh Edition
SHANGHAI, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From April 2 to 31, the Assembly Character Toys brand Blokees made its debut at the 2026 Thailand Toy Expo. Blokees unveiled its two major categories — Blokees Model Kits and Blokees Wheels, highlighting a diverse product matrix of more than 300 products across 17 globally recognized IPs, including Ultraman, Transformers, DC, Evangelion, Naruto, Minions, Jurassic World, Hatsune Miku, and Hero Infinity. Four new model kits also made their global debut, emerging as key highlights of the event.
Mario Maurer attended the opening ceremony of Blokees Thailand Toy Expo as a special guest and engaged in interactive exchanges with consumers.
In the Blokees Model Kits category, Blokees exhibited its Champion, Legend, and Fantastic Series, featuring popular IPs such as Transformers, DC, Mega Man, Saint Seiya, Evangelion, and Naruto. More than 50 products were presented to consumers. Among them, four newly launched items—including Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-12-Phoenix Ikki, Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-14-Andromeda Shun, Blokees DC-Champion Class 05-Batman (HUSH), and Blokees DC-Champion Class 06-Catwoman (Hush)—drew strong interest from fans.
Blokees also highlighted its HERO5 and HERO10 series, featuring well-known IPs including Transformers, Saint Seiya, and Naruto, catering to consumers of hero-themed collectible models.
The DaaLaMode series introduced a range of products inspired by popular IPs such as Hatsune Miku, appealing to female consumers. Meanwhile, the TERRAVENTURE series presented nature and creature-themed model kits based on Jurassic World, further expanding Blokees' offerings across different consumer segments.
In the Blokees Wheels category, which integrates construction, play, and customization, products are organized into the C, E, and S series. The lineup includes IP-based offerings from Transformers, Ultraman, and Batman, with upcoming collaborations featuring Fast & Furious and Ford.
In addition, Blokees highlighted its global consumer ecosystem, BFC (Blokees Family Creator). Selected works from 2025 The 3rd BFC Creation Contest Stellar Season were exhibited in Thailand for the first time, reflecting strong user creativity and engagement. 2026 The 4th BFC Creation Contest Season of Awakening has officially launched, further encouraging global participation.
Under its "Universally appealing, Stepwise pricing, Globally promoting" strategy, Blokees continues to expand across Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. Thailand is rapidly becoming a strategic hub in its regional expansion, as the company strengthens both product innovation and community-driven growth worldwide.
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Blokees made its debut at 2026 Thailand Toy Expo, exhibiting multiple products
