AVPN: The prestigious title of Vera Pizza Contest 2024 champion has been awarded to Mimmo Galasso, triumphing in a fierce competition that featured over 1,500 contestants representing no less than 35 countries across the globe. Following closely behind in second place was Giovanni Zito, while Ferdinando Ripoli secured the third position.
The much-anticipated Best AVPN Pizzeria 2024 contest is underway, marking the first and only competition that sees pizza makers from around the world participate as jurors. This year, the contest has expanded significantly, now involving pizzerias from an impressive 59 countries.
The year 2024 has proven to be a momentous period for AVPN as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The recently concluded final of the Vera Pizza Contest, recognized as the world’s largest event dedicated to homemade pizza, showcased the talents of over 1,500 pizza makers from all continents. A total of 1,570 pizzas were submitted, of which only 765 were accepted after rigorous adherence to the competition’s regulations. This year’s contest also featured the eagerly awaited Best AVPN Pizzeria event, organized by the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association, further highlighting the association’s commitment to the craft.
‘Once again this year, the True Neapolitan Pizza Contest has proved to be an extraordinary initiative capable of bringing the True Neapolitan Pizza into homes all over the world,’ commented Paolo Surace, Secretary General of AVPN. “This event has effectively involved pizza chefs from 35 countries, reaffirming pizza’s status as the most identifiable and simultaneously ‘cosmopolitan’ product from the Peninsula. As AVPN, we have taken on the role of ambassadors of this heritage, preserving traditional techniques while promoting the value of locally sourced ingredients in an increasingly globalized context.”
Following over two months of meticulous selection, the final showdown commenced in Naples on 19-20 November. The event drew enthusiastic crowds, as contestants displayed their culinary prowess in front of a distinguished technical jury comprised of renowned food critics including Francesca Romana Barberini and Emanuela Sorrentino, alongside Stefano Di Filippo, the reigning champion from the last two editions of the Vera Pizza Contest.
Mimmo Galasso captured first place with his innovative pizza titled ‘Irpinia,’ featuring fiordilatte, rustic artichokes from Montoro, and Capocollo irpino. His remarkable achievement also earned him a comprehensive nine-day professional course at the AVPN School. Giovanni Zito followed with his pizza ‘My Second Home,’ crafted with a base of white pizza topped with gorgonzola and fiordilatte, complemented by a creamy pumpkin and thyme sauce, alongside homemade salami. He received a three-day course as his prize. Ferdinando Ripoli clinched third place with his delicious ‘Lucana’ pizza that included Fiordilatte cheese, turnip tops, Salame pezzente della collina materana, and Peperone crusco di Senise IGP, winning a four-hour course. In addition to their accolades, all finalists were presented with an assortment of valuable prizes, including kneading machines, ovens, gourmet equipment, and a selection of high-quality gastronomic products.
Mandatory acknowledgments go to the esteemed sponsors, including Molino Caputo, Effeuno, Gimetal, Olitalia, and Pagnossin, who have been longstanding partners of this prestigious event.
‘This is a very special victory that rewards my great love for pizza,’ exclaimed the victorious Mimmo Galasso. ‘I extend my heartfelt thanks to AVPN and all the remarkable masters within this community for their unwavering dedication to preserving the tradition of true Neapolitan pizza and for providing passionate pizza makers like myself a platform to showcase our talent.’
With the conclusion of this year’s contest, the excitement shifts towards the Best AVPN Pizzeria competition, featuring pizza artisans from the Association worldwide.
This year’s edition boasts a record participation of 59 countries, highlighted by the inclusion of the first pizzerias from Qatar and the Philippines. Following the successful past editions, which celebrated notable winners such as Enzo Coccia’s La Notizia in 2014, Ciro Salvo’s 50 Kalò in 2019, Attilio Bachetti’s Pizzeria da Attilio in 2021, Salvatore De Rinaldi’s Casa De Rinaldi in 2022, and the most recent laureate, Andrè Guidon of Leggera Pizzeria Napoletana in São Paulo in 2023, the Best AVPN Pizzeria will continue to honor exceptional craftsmanship in the art of pizza making.
‘We are genuinely thrilled to launch the Best AVPN Pizzeria competition,’ expressed Massimo Di Porzio, Vice-President of the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association. ‘Each year, we witness a growing number of participating countries, a testament to the unique format of the competition where fellow pizza chefs judge their peers. This structure not only underscores the international nature of the contest but also elevates the significance of the award, as there are no judges more knowledgeable than those who have dedicated their lives to the pizza profession.’
The voting phases will commence at 11 a.m. on 22 November and continue until 11 a.m. on 5 December. Each Verace pizzaiolo will gain access via a link provided by the Association and will be entitled to cast one vote for each pizzeria they manage, explicitly excluding self-voting. Judging criteria will include the quality of the pizza, selection of raw materials, food pairings with wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as room service and design of the establishment: all pivotal elements that will determine the winner of the Best AVPN Pizzeria, set to be announced on stage at Sigep 2025 during the Rimini trade fair from 18 to 23 January.
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What are the key ingredients and techniques that contributed to Mimmo Galasso’s winning pizza in the Vera Pizza Contest 2024?
**Interview with Mimmo Galasso – Champion of the Vera Pizza Contest 2024**
**Interviewer:** Congratulations on your remarkable achievement, Mimmo! Winning the Vera Pizza Contest is no small feat, especially with over 1,500 contestants from around the world. How does it feel to be the champion?
**Mimmo Galasso:** Thank you very much! It feels absolutely incredible to win this prestigious title. This victory is not just for me; it represents the passion and dedication that I—and so many others—have for true Neapolitan pizza. I am grateful for the support of the AVPN community and my fellow contestants.
**Interviewer:** Your winning pizza, ‘Irpinia,’ caught the eyes of the judges. Can you tell us more about what inspired that creation?
**Mimmo Galasso:** Absolutely! ‘Irpinia’ is inspired by the region of Irpinia in Campania, where some of the best local ingredients come from. I used fiordilatte, rustic artichokes from Montoro, and Capocollo irpino. I wanted to highlight the beautiful flavors of this region while staying true to the traditional techniques of Neapolitan pizza-making.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of local ingredients. How do you view the relationship between tradition and innovation in pizza-making?
**Mimmo Galasso:** I believe both are essential. Tradition is the backbone of our craft, preserving techniques that have been passed down through generations. However, innovation allows us to explore and elevate these traditions. By using locally sourced ingredients creatively, we keep the essence of Neapolitan pizza alive while making it relevant in today’s culinary landscape.
**Interviewer:** What does this victory mean for your future as a pizza maker?
**Mimmo Galasso:** This win is a significant milestone for me professionally. It has opened doors to further opportunities, such as the nine-day course at the AVPN School, where I can refine my skills even more. I hope to use this recognition not just for my growth but to inspire other passionate pizza makers to pursue their dreams in this fantastic craft.
**Interviewer:** With the Best AVPN Pizzeria competition coming up, how do you feel about the future of Neapolitan pizza globally?
**Mimmo Galasso:** The fact that the competition has expanded to include pizzerias from 59 countries is amazing! It shows just how universal and beloved pizza is. Each participating country brings its own flair, which enhances the global pizza community. I’m excited to see how this competition grows and how we can all continue to learn from one another.
**Interviewer:** any words of encouragement for aspiring pizza makers out there?
**Mimmo Galasso:** Follow your passion and never stop learning! The journey of a pizza maker is filled with both challenges and joys. Embrace the traditions while allowing yourself to experiment and innovate. With dedication and love for the craft, you can achieve great things. Keep pushing the boundaries!
