Panettone Awards 2026
The international competition celebrating signature panettone craftsmanship.
Join us in the fifth edition of the Panettone Awards, a contest that continues to celebrate the creativity, precision and vision of pastry professionals and helps shaping the future of artisanal panettone.
In 2026, the contest becomes fully international, opening its doors to pastry chefs from all over the world. Created by Aromacademy and The Signature Collection, Panettone Awards is more than a competition. It is a journey of discovery, craftsmanship and excellence dedicated to the art of panettone.
A global stage for signature panettone
Panettone today it is a universal language of craftsmanship, creativity and leavened products culture.
This fifth anniversary edition marks an important milestone for the contest, opening a new international chapter while staying rooted in the values that shaped its identity from the beginning: authenticity, precision, creativity and respect for the discipline.
How does the competition work?
1 - Applications open worldwide
Panettone Awards 2026 is open to professional pastry chefs worldwide. Candidates can apply online and submit their participation according to the official competition rules.
2 - the first challenge: traditonal panettone
Selected participants will send their traditional panettone creations to Aromacademy in Rome. All products will be evaluated anonymously by the jury.
3 - Semifinals
The semifinal will take place behind closed doors at Aromacademy. Each panettone will be judged anonymously for appearance, crumb structure, inclusions, taste and technique.
4 - Final at IRCA Academy
The finalists will compete at IRCA Academy in Gallarate. An international technical jury will evaluate the creations and announce the Panettone Awards 2026 winners.
The Jury
The competition is chaired by Davide Malizia, World Champion of Pastry and Gelato and member of Relais Desserts International.
The jury will bring together outstanding representatives of the main pastry associations and leading figures from the international pastry world, forming a high-level technical panel dedicated to evaluating the finalists’ creations with expertise, rigor and authority. Additional jury members will be announced soon.
Why join Panettone Awards 2026?
International visibility
Professional recognition by important Chefs
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Connect with a community of creators
Celebrate your signature
The Awards
Three ways to celebrate excellence
1st, 2nd and 3rd Place
The three best panettoni of the final selection will be awarded the Panettone Awards 2026 podium.
A recognition of excellence for the professionals who stand out for technique, balance, taste and artisanal identity.
Special Under 26 Award
The highest-ranking participant aged between 18 and 26 will receive a special recognition dedicated to emerging talent. Because the future of great pastry begins with those who have the courage to challenge themselves today.
Best International Panettone
A special award will celebrate the best winner based outside Italy. A recognition created to highlight artisanal excellence beyond borders and present panettone as a global language of pastry craftsmanship.
Who can participate?
Panettone Awards 2026 is open to professional pastry chefs from all countries. Participants are invited to present their own interpretation of traditional panettone while respecting the official competition regulations and technical requirements.
The partners behind Panettone Awards 2026
Panettone Awards 2026 is promoted by Aromacademy and The Signature Collection, two realities that share the same commitment to professional excellence, technical education and ingredient-led creativity.
The Signature Collection
The Signature Collection brings together premium ingredient brands created to empower culinary creators through authenticity, craftsmanship and inspiration. For Panettone Awards 2026, Cesarin and Domori Professional contribute their expertise in premium fruit ingredients and fine cacao culture to support a new generation of signature creations.
Aromacademy
Aromacademy is an international training hub dedicated to pastry, bakery, chocolate and gelato culture.
Through advanced education and professional exchange, it supports pastry chefs in developing technical expertise and creative identity.
Discover The Signature Collection - a curated world of authentic ingredients empowering the extraordinary, inspiring culinary creators, and helping chefs craft their own signature stories.