The 2024 Panettone Championship, held in Milan, showcased the best of Italy’s artisanal panettone, a traditional sweet bread that has become synonymous with the holiday season. This year’s competition highlighted the creativity and skill of pastry chefs from Northern Italy, where the craft of panettone is deeply rooted. Let’s explore some of the standout brands, their unique offerings, and reveal this year’s champion.
Notable Competitors for Panettone Championship 2024
Muzzi
Muzzi is renowned for its traditional approach to panettone. Their classic version features a rich dough filled with candied fruits and raisins, priced around €22. Muzzi’s panettone is celebrated for its fluffy texture and balanced sweetness.
Davide Longoni
Known for his commitment to quality ingredients and traditional methods, Davide Longoni offers a panettone that retails for approximately €25. His version is characterized by a unique blend of flavors, including orange zest and a hint of vanilla, making it a favorite among purists.
Mille
Mille’s panettone stands out with its artisanal craftsmanship and attention to detail. Priced at €30, it features an innovative twist with fillings like chocolate and hazelnuts, appealing to those looking for something different while maintaining the essence of traditional panettone.
De Vivo
De Vivo offers a classic panettone priced at about €24. Their recipe emphasizes natural fermentation and high-quality ingredients, resulting in a moist cake with a delightful aroma of citrus.
Sammarco
Sammarco’s panettone is known for its lightness and airy texture. Priced around €26, it incorporates traditional ingredients while offering seasonal variations that keep customers returning year after year.
Ciacco
Ciacco focuses on organic ingredients in their panettone, which retails for approximately €28. Their commitment to sustainability and flavor has garnered them a loyal following among health-conscious consumers.
Iginio Massari
A true maestro of pastry, Iginio Massari’s panettone is considered one of the best in Italy. Priced at €35, it features a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a top contender in this year’s championship.
Follador
Follador offers a classic panettone priced at around €20. Known for its rich flavor profile and moist crumb, it’s a favorite among locals during the festive season.
Ricci
Ricci’s panettone is celebrated for its unique flavor combinations, including pistachio and chocolate. Priced at €30, it provides an exciting twist on the traditional recipe.
Mason Antonella
Mason Antonella produces a beautifully crafted panettone priced at about €27. Their focus on artisanal techniques results in a product that is both visually stunning and delicious.
Benito
Benito’s panettone is known for its traditional flavor profile with an emphasis on quality ingredients. Priced around €23, it remains a popular choice among those who appreciate classic recipes.
Patrizi
Patrizi offers an elegant take on panettone with their beautifully decorated versions priced at about €32. Their focus on aesthetics as well as flavor makes them stand out in the competition.
Café Noir
Café Noir specializes in gourmet panettoni that incorporate unique flavors such as coffee and dark chocolate. Priced at approximately €29, they appeal to those looking for something beyond the traditional offerings.
Grueé
Grueé’s panettone is known for its rich chocolate variations. Priced around €31, it combines the classic sweet bread with decadent chocolate pieces for an indulgent treat.
Pozzo Blend
Pozzo Blend offers artisan panettoni made with carefully selected ingredients. Their classic version retails for about €25 and is praised for its rich flavor and moist texture.
Le Sablon
Le Sablon’s approach combines traditional techniques with modern flavors. Priced at approximately €30, their offerings include unique variations that attract adventurous eaters.
Cappiello
Cappiello produces high-quality panettoni that are well-balanced in sweetness and texture. Priced around €28, they are celebrated for their consistency and craftsmanship.
The Winner and Trends
This year’s champion was Iginio Massari, whose mastery of technique and flavor secured him first place in the Classic Panettone category at the 2024 Panettone Championship. His creation was praised for its perfect balance of sweetness, lightness, and rich flavor profile that embodies the essence of this beloved Italian dessert.The most popular choice among consumers this year appears to be Davide Longoni, thanks to his commitment to quality ingredients and traditional methods that resonate with purists. Meanwhile, Ciacco has emerged as an up-and-comer in the market due to its emphasis on organic ingredients and innovative flavors that appeal to health-conscious consumers.As we celebrate this year’s Panettone Championship, it’s clear that Italian pastry chefs continue to elevate this iconic dessert while honoring its rich heritage. Whether you prefer classic or innovative flavors, there’s no shortage of exceptional options to enjoy this holiday season!
