The fourth edition of the Panettone Awards
The contest by Cesarin, Domori Professional, and Aromacademy returns: already a benchmark challenge for Italy’s top pastry chefs. A competition that celebrates technique, vision, and artisanal identity.
The two challenges
First round: the traditional panettone
For this round, registered participants must create 3 traditional panettoni without glaze. They can be tall or low and must weigh between 980g and 1030g, including the baking mold.
All three entries must be shipped to Aromacademy headquarters, between October 27 and October 30, 2025, at the following address: Piazza di Cinecittà 42, Rome (Italy).
They will be evaluated by a jury of Master Pastry Chefs based on these criteria: appearance, air cell structure, fruit distribution, and flavor.
The first selection will take place on October 31, 2025 at Aromacademy, and you’ll be able to follow key highlights on the social channels of IRCA Group, Domori Professional, Cesarin e Aromacademy.
The challenges of the final selection
The 10 finalists will advance to the final selection round, which consists of two challenges:
All panettoni for the final must be sent to: IRCA Academy - Viale Danimarca 30, Gallarate (VA) no later than November 24, 2025.
The judges of Panettone Awards
The winners of the Panettone Awards will be selected by an outstanding international technical jury, chaired by Pastry and Gelato World Champion, Relais Desserts International member, Maestro Davide Malizia.
In the coming weeks, we’ll reveal the full jury lineup: an extraordinary panel featuring top names from Italian and international pastry, as well as representatives from the key sectors of the industry. An elite group, ready to crown the best panettone of the year!
The finals
The 10 finalists will be invited to the IRCA Academy in Gallarate for the final on November 27-28, 2025.
The big day will end with the announcement of the three winners, selected by the expert jury:
🥇 1st place
🥈 2nd place
🥉 3rd place
Their names and faces will also be featured on the official websites and social media channels of the event organizers.
All finalists will receive a personalized diploma as a keepsake of their participation.
The winners will be awarded an exclusive trophy and an official window decal to display at their shop.
NEW FOR 2025: SPECIAL AWARD FOR YOUNG PASTRY CHEFS ✨
For the first time, the Contest will also present a special award to emerging talent. Among the winners, the highest-ranked participant aged between 18 and 26 at the time of the award ceremony will receive a personalized plaque in recognition of their talent.
Because the future of great chefs begins today.
Highlights from past editions
