The global culinary stage is once again opening its doors to the brightest young talent. The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition has officially launched its seventh edition, inviting chefs under the age of 30 from around the world to apply between 16 February and 9 June 2026.
This prestigious initiative has become one of the most respected platforms for emerging chefs, offering not only the chance to compete internationally but also to gain mentorship, visibility, and professional growth opportunities that extend far beyond the competition itself.
A Platform for Creativity and Innovation
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition is a transformative journey designed to identify and nurture the next generation of culinary leaders. Participants are encouraged to showcase their creativity, technical skill, and personal belief through signature dishes that reflect their unique culinary voice. By doing so, they step into a global conversation about the future of gastronomy, where innovation and individuality are celebrated.
Chefs who apply will be divided into 15 regions worldwide, with candidates shortlisted by ALMA – The International School of Italian Culinary Arts. These selected chefs will then compete in Regional Finals, where their dishes are assessed on three key elements: technical skill, creativity, and personal belief. Regional winners will advance to the Grand Finale in Milan, where they will present their creations to an esteemed jury of internationally recognised chefs.
Mentorship at the Heart of the Academy
One of the defining features of the Academy is its commitment to mentorship. This year’s edition introduces a new initiative that reinforces the Academy’s long-term dedication to supporting chefs beyond the competition.
The Global Winner of the 2024–25 edition, Ardy Ferguson, will embark on a three-week mentorship experience with two internationally renowned chefs who served on the previous jury: Julien Royer, founder and chef of Odette in Singapore, and Jeremy Chan, founder and chef of Ikoyi in London.
Reflecting on his journey, Ferguson shared:
“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.”
This mentorship programme is designed to provide meaningful guidance, professional exchange, and inspiration for young chefs considering applying. It highlights the Academy’s belief that growth in gastronomy is not only about competition but also about collaboration, learning, and the sharing of ideas across cultures.
Voices from the Culinary World
Julien Royer emphasised the transformative nature of the competition:
“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.”
Jeremy Chan added:
“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.”
These reflections underscore the Academy’s unique role in shaping the future of gastronomy by empowering chefs to embrace both technical mastery and personal expression.
A Call to South African Chefs
For South Africa’s vibrant culinary community, this competition represents an extraordinary opportunity. South African chefs have long been recognised for their ability to blend cultural heritage with contemporary innovation, and the Academy provides a global platform to showcase this talent.
By participating, local chefs can gain international recognition, connect with influential mentors, and contribute to shaping the global narrative of food.
Alongside the main title, participants will also be eligible for three collateral awards that celebrate social responsibility, connection to culinary heritage, and the expression of personal belief through food. These awards highlight the Academy’s holistic approach to gastronomy, recognising that food is not only about taste but also about culture, sustainability, and identity.
Applications Now Open
Applications for the seventh edition are open until 9 June 2026. Candidates are invited to submit a signature dish that reflects their creativity, technical skill, and personal belief.
The journey begins with the initial selection phase, progresses through Regional Finals, and culminates in the Grand Finale in Milan, where the world’s most promising young chefs will compete for the ultimate title.
For South African chefs, this is a chance to step onto an international stage, gain mentorship from some of the world’s most respected culinary figures, and showcase the creativity that defines our local gastronomy.
To apply and discover more about the competition, visit sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.
