At the S.Pellegrino Young Chefs Academy Competition 2024/25 Regional Finals held in Cape Town, South Africa, the future of fine dining and sustainability-conscious cuisine shone brightly. This prestigious event brought together young culinary talents from across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia for a celebration of creativity, technique, and sustainability in gastronomy.

A Platform for Innovation and Growth

The competition, held in November 2024, challenged participants to push the boundaries of their culinary skills. Over the course of two days, young chefs created signature dishes that reflected their identities, philosophies, and connection to culture, all while focusing on sustainability. Esteemed jurors Bertus Basson, Akmal Anuar, and Roaya Saleh evaluated the competitors on creativity, technique, and emotional resonance.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Sustainability emerged as a key theme, with many participants showcasing innovative approaches to reducing kitchen waste. Dishes celebrated using entire ingredients, such as Stefano Maffioli Ferrari’s vegetarian celeriac dish and Luckson Mare’s use of foraged indigenous ingredients like amatungulu. The event also highlighted S.Pellegrino’s Social Responsibility Award, which recognises chefs committed to sustainable practices.

Winners and Highlights

At the glittering gala dinner that concluded the regional finals, the following chefs were recognised:

• Luckson Mare (South Africa): Winner of the Africa, Middle East, and South Asia Regional Final. His dish, incorporating indigenous ingredients, will represent the region at the Grand Finale in Milan in 2025.
• Zante Neethling (South Africa): Winner of the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award for her dish, Tribute to the Khoi-Khoin Taras.
• Robin Höfer (UAE): Winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award for The Lamb of Gratitude.
• Mahmoud Ali (Ghana): Winner of the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award for his dish, Middle Eastern Fusion.

Connection and Collaboration

Beyond competition, the event fostered invaluable connections. Young chefs exchanged ideas, networked with mentors, and expanded their professional horizons. Past winner Callan Austin noted the enduring value of the relationships formed during his participation, stating that these connections have continued to influence his career.

Giving Back to the Community

The competition also prioritised giving back to the local community. No food was wasted, with leftovers donated to SA Harvest, a South African organisation tackling hunger and food waste.

Looking Ahead

The winner, Luckson Mare, will represent the region at the Grand Finale in Milan in 2025, where he will compete against the world’s best young chefs. As Mare prepares for this global stage, the competition remains committed to its mission: nurturing culinary talent and fostering innovation that respects both culture and the environment.

For more updates on this exciting initiative, visit www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.

Press Release Submitted By

Organisation Name: S.Pellegrino Young Chefs Academy
Website: www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com

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Young Chefs Shine at S.Pellegrino Regional Finals in Cape Town
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