Applications for the 2020 edition of the global competition grew by 20% compared to the past edition and the percentage of female chefs among the candidates increased by 10%, showing an increasing interest for the S.Pellegrino global initiative

MILAN, June 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- 135 young chef candidates from 12 regions, representing 50 countries, are now one step closer to reaching the S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2020 Grand Finale. There were over 2,400 applicants from all over the world who wanted to take part in this globally renowned competition to find the world's best young chef.

Each young chef's application and signature dish was evaluated by culinary experts at the World's Leading International Educational and Training Centre for Italian Cuisine, ALMA, who are in charge of the candidate selection. ALMA's selection process hinged on three key criteria: technical skills, creativity and a personal belief in the transformative power of gastronomy as a device for positive change in society.

"We have had the pleasure of collaborating with S.Pellegrino Young Chef since the very first edition, and every time we are amazed by the variety of ideas and the great passion shown by the candidates," said Andrea Sinigaglia, General Manager of ALMA. "For this edition we selected 135 young talents and we are excited to see how they will perform first on a local, and then on a global scale. Good luck to all of them!"

Moreover, the percentage of women registered among the candidates increased to more than 10% - a number that needs to grow, but that shows the first results of the commitment taken by S.Pellegrino for gender balance and inclusivity.

From August to December 2019, the candidates of each region will compete in 12 regional challenges. Each region will have a jury composed of leading independent chefs, who will judge the candidates' signature dishes and select the regional winners of the four awards.

By the end of December 2019, the Young Chefs from around the globe announced as official finalists of the four awards will move on to the Grand Finale to be held in June 2020. Throughout the months, each finalist will be accompanied by Mentor Chefs, who will provide them with guidance on how to improve their signature dishes and support them in their preparation for the international finals.

Discover the list of 135 candidates and find exclusive content and updates here: http://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchef.com/en. Follow the story also on Facebook and Instagram via #SPYoungChef.

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna - S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Sparkling Fruit Beverages are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino S.p.A. is the leading company in the beverage sector in Italy with its range of mineral waters, non-alcoholic aperitifs, drinks and iced teas. As a major Italian producer of mineral water, it has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.

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SOURCE S.Pellegrino