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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
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SYDNEY and AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtual IT Group (VITG) today announced the appointment of Maurice McCarthy as Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant milestone in the company's next phase of growth across Australia and New Zealand. Virtual IT Group Founder, Christian Pacheco, will transition into the role of Founding Director, continuing to shape Virtual IT Group's vision for the future, service innovation agenda and M&A strategy.
Virtual IT Group Founding Director, Christian Pacheco said, "Maurice's appointment followed a comprehensive leadership assessment focused on the evolving needs of clients operating in increasingly complex cyber, regulatory, and AI-enabled environments."
Pacheco added, "Maurice stood out as a leader with the right combination of client empathy, operational discipline, and modern technology insight. Our clients face mounting pressure from cyber threats, compliance obligations, and rapid AI adoption. Maurice has a deep understanding of the dynamics our clients are faced with on a daily basis, and a clear vision for leadership."
Mid-sized organisations across healthcare, financial services, education, and other regulated sectors rely on Virtual IT Group for fit-for-sector, security-led IT, cloud, and modern workplace services. These are supported by a 24/7 ANZ Security Operations Centre (SOC) and a high-touch, always-on service model.
Maurice brings deep experience leading client-focused technology and services organisations through growth, transformation, and operational scale. As CEO, his priorities include enhancing client outcomes, improving service reliability, and responsibly embedding AI across service delivery.
Maurice McCarthy, Virtual IT Group CEO said, "Operational and technology leaders are being asked to move faster with AI while meeting unprecedented cyber and compliance demands. Virtual IT Group combines a 24/7 ANZ SOC, AI-driven ticket resolution, and a friendly, expert help desk for one reason, to give our clients peace of mind so they can focus on their mission. None of this happens without our people, from Level 1 engineers to our most experienced consultants. Together, we'll build on this foundation and lead Virtual IT Group into its next chapter."
This appointment reinforces Virtual IT Group's commitment to being a long-term partner to clients, a place where great people build meaningful careers in managed services and cybersecurity.
About Virtual IT Group
Virtual IT Group is one of the fastest growing mid-market technology and cybersecurity providers in Australia and New Zealand. With scale, reach, and proven expertise, we deliver end-to-end managed IT and security services making our client's business systems stronger, safer and simpler every day.
www.vitg.com.au
SYDNEY and AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtual IT Group (VITG) today announced the appointment of Maurice McCarthy as Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant milestone in the company's next phase of growth across Australia and New Zealand. Virtual IT Group Founder, Christian Pacheco, will transition into the role of Founding Director, continuing to shape Virtual IT Group's vision for the future, service innovation agenda and M&A strategy.
Virtual IT Group Founding Director, Christian Pacheco said, "Maurice's appointment followed a comprehensive leadership assessment focused on the evolving needs of clients operating in increasingly complex cyber, regulatory, and AI-enabled environments."
Pacheco added, "Maurice stood out as a leader with the right combination of client empathy, operational discipline, and modern technology insight. Our clients face mounting pressure from cyber threats, compliance obligations, and rapid AI adoption. Maurice has a deep understanding of the dynamics our clients are faced with on a daily basis, and a clear vision for leadership."
Mid-sized organisations across healthcare, financial services, education, and other regulated sectors rely on Virtual IT Group for fit-for-sector, security-led IT, cloud, and modern workplace services. These are supported by a 24/7 ANZ Security Operations Centre (SOC) and a high-touch, always-on service model.
Maurice brings deep experience leading client-focused technology and services organisations through growth, transformation, and operational scale. As CEO, his priorities include enhancing client outcomes, improving service reliability, and responsibly embedding AI across service delivery.
Maurice McCarthy, Virtual IT Group CEO said, "Operational and technology leaders are being asked to move faster with AI while meeting unprecedented cyber and compliance demands. Virtual IT Group combines a 24/7 ANZ SOC, AI-driven ticket resolution, and a friendly, expert help desk for one reason, to give our clients peace of mind so they can focus on their mission. None of this happens without our people, from Level 1 engineers to our most experienced consultants. Together, we'll build on this foundation and lead Virtual IT Group into its next chapter."
This appointment reinforces Virtual IT Group's commitment to being a long-term partner to clients, a place where great people build meaningful careers in managed services and cybersecurity.
About Virtual IT Group
Virtual IT Group is one of the fastest growing mid-market technology and cybersecurity providers in Australia and New Zealand. With scale, reach, and proven expertise, we deliver end-to-end managed IT and security services making our client's business systems stronger, safer and simpler every day.
www.vitg.com.au
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Virtual IT Group Appoints New CEO to Drive Client-Centric Growth Across ANZ
