On April 16, 2025, the mayor of Bari warmly welcomed the winners of the second edition of "Giovani lievitisti a confronto" at Palazzo di Città. This national championship, aimed at teams of young pastry chefs under the age of 33, was organized by the Accademia dei Maestri del Lievito Madre e del Panettone Italiano and Goloasi srl. The final event took place just days earlier, on April 8, 2025, in Bologna, where the Puglia team emerged victorious.
The young pastry chefs who made up this winning team included Nico Rizzi and Eustachio Sapone from Acquaviva delle Fonti, Pietro Netti from Castellana Grotte, and Domenico Petronella from Altamura. They excelled in all categories of the competition, which focused on creating the best colomba, a traditional Italian Easter cake. The categories included classic, chocolate, and innovative variations.
The Puglia team, led by coach Pietro Netti, not only secured the title of Best Team in Italy 2025 but also achieved first place in each of the three competitive categories. The event saw ten teams from various Italian regions competing, showcasing their skills in preparing artisanal Easter colombe.
Netti, who is also the owner of the renowned Chantilly pastry shop in Castellana Grotte, expressed his pride in the team's accomplishments. "I am very satisfied with the result. As the coach of the Puglia team, I personally oversaw all the meetings and can affirm that the three young pastry chefs have worked hard in recent months to maintain the teamwork that has rewarded us," he stated.
In their preparations, the team followed a consistent theme, utilizing semola rimacinata, a finely milled durum wheat semolina, for all three leavened products presented at the contest. They gave special attention to the chocolate in the dark dough colomba, while for the traditional version, they created a unique extraction of orange aroma. The innovative colomba featured wild fennel, a local Apulian rosolio, and the typical almond from their region, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Puglia.
The triumph of the Puglia team at the "Giovani Lievitisti a confronto" competition serves as a significant recognition not only for the hard work, technique, and creativity of the young professionals involved but also as a celebration of the traditions and excellence of the Puglia region. It underscores how passion, training, and teamwork can result in exceptional products that tell authentic stories through flavors, aromas, and local ingredients.
This event has drawn attention not only to the skills of the young pastry chefs but also to the importance of preserving and innovating traditional culinary practices. The colomba, which has a rich history in Italian Easter celebrations, is more than just a dessert; it is a symbol of the region’s culture and artistry in baking.
As the competition continues to grow in popularity, it highlights the emerging talent in Italy’s culinary scene and the commitment of young chefs to push the boundaries of traditional recipes while honoring their roots. The recognition received by the Puglia team is a testament to their dedication and the vibrant food culture of their region.
The success of the Puglia team at the national level is expected to inspire other young chefs across Italy to pursue excellence in their culinary endeavors. As they continue to hone their skills, these young artisans are not only preserving traditional recipes but also innovating and adapting them for modern tastes.
With the support of organizations like the Accademia dei Maestri del Lievito Madre e del Panettone Italiano, young pastry chefs have the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain recognition on a larger scale. This competition has become a platform for fostering creativity and collaboration among the next generation of culinary professionals.
The achievements of the Puglia team serve as a reminder of the importance of community and mentorship in the culinary arts. By working together and learning from experienced chefs, young pastry chefs are able to develop their skills and gain valuable insights into the industry.
As the celebrations continue, the Puglia team’s victory will likely resonate throughout the region, encouraging more young people to explore careers in the culinary field. With a rich tradition of baking and a strong emphasis on quality ingredients, Puglia is poised to remain a significant player in Italy’s gastronomic landscape.
In conclusion, the triumph of the Puglia team at the "Giovani Lievitisti a confronto" competition is a proud moment for the region and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, creativity, and dedication to the culinary arts. As they continue to innovate and inspire, these young chefs are sure to leave a lasting impact on the world of pastry making.
