The New Masters of the Art of Italian Cuisine

In the honor courtyard of Palazzo Chigi, the award ceremony for the prize “Maestro of the Art of Italian Cuisine” was held, established by Law 59 of 19 April 2024 to celebrate the excellence of Italy’s food and wine culture. This recognition, strongly supported by the Government, fills a long-standing gap: until now, Italy had no official system to honor the leading figures of its culinary and wine heritage.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, together with the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests Francesco Lollobrigida, underlined that this prize finally gives due credit to those who significantly contribute to the country’s reputation worldwide. According to Meloni, the awardees are true “masters of cuisine, of art, of life, of Italy”, ambassadors of a unique heritage made of traditions, territories and quality.

The new Masters of the Art of Italian Cuisine received the title along with a bronze medal, a pin and an insignia created by the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute. The recognition was awarded to: Iginio Massari for the art of pastry, Carlotta Fabbri for the art of gelato, Franco Pepe for the art of pizza, Carlo Petrini for the art of gastronomy, Piercristiano Brazzale for the art of cheesemaking, Maria Francesca Di Martino for the art of olive growing, Riccardo Cotarella for the art of winemaking and Massimo Bottura for the art of cuisine.

The title of Maestro is not merely symbolic: the awardees will be able to teach in specialized institutes, passing on their artisanal knowledge to new generations. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of major professional associations and a delegation of students from agricultural and hospitality schools in Rome, highlighting the strong link between professional excellence and education.

Minister Lollobrigida stressed that this initiative is above all a project for the future. Addressing the students, he reminded them that among them may be the future Masters, called to carry on the legacy of today’s awardees. One of the most valuable aspects of this recognition is the structured dialogue between the Masters and the school system, to share experiences, transmit skills and inspire tomorrow’s talents.