WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 9, 2025) — The Panettone World Cup is proud to announce the first-ever Americas Selection, taking place on September 16, 2025, during the prestigious IBIE – International Baking Industry Exposition in Las Vegas.

This landmark event marks the first time the competition is open to pastry professionals from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several South American countries, excluding Brazil and Peru, which continue to host their own national selections. Pastry chefs from across the Americas will compete for the opportunity to represent their country in the Panettone World Cup Grand Final in Milan in 2026.

The selection in Las Vegas highlights the continued international expansion of the Panettone World Cup and the growing global appreciation for artisanal panettone as a symbol of Italian pastry excellence. Hosting the competition at IBIE further strengthens the connection between international pastry artistry and the evolving trends within the global baking and pastry industries.

Competition Jury

The competition will be evaluated by an esteemed international jury of renowned pastry experts:

• Biagio Settepani – Pastry Chef, Bruno’s Bakery
• Franck Riffaud – Complex Executive Pastry Chef, Hilton
• Stéphane Tréand – MOF Pâtissier
• Bilena Settepani – Pastry Chef
• Nicolas Botomisy – Chocolate Expert

Judges will evaluate entries based on:

• External appearance (shape, volume, and color)
• Cut appearance (interior structure, fruit distribution, and softness)
• Sensory quality (aroma, flavor, and aromatic complexity)

Event Schedule – September 16, 2025

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Panettone Journey: From the Origins to the World Cup
Giuseppe Piffaretti, Maestro & Founder, Coppa del Mondo del Panettone

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Panettone in America: From Italian Tradition to International Expansion
Biagio Settepani, Bruno’s Bakery

12:00 PM – 2:10 PM
Live Judging – Panettone World Cup Americas Selection

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Awards Ceremony – Panettone World Cup Americas Selection

About the Panettone World Cup

Founded by Maestro Giuseppe Piffaretti, the Panettone World Cup is the world’s premier event dedicated exclusively to artisanal leavened baked goods. Since its inaugural edition in Lugano in 2019, the competition has celebrated the history, craftsmanship, and international appeal of panettone.

Following successful editions in 2021 (Lugano), 2022 (Milan), and 2024 (Milan), the 2026 Grand Final in Milan will welcome top pastry chefs from across the globe to compete at the highest level.

In addition to the competition, the Panettone World Cup promotes educational programming, including tastings, demonstrations, workshops, and industry roundtables, to elevate and preserve the artistry of panettone.

ABOUT IBIE

The International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) is recognized worldwide as the grain-based food industry’s largest, most comprehensive trade event in the Western Hemisphere. A “working show” where millions of dollars of business is conducted daily, IBIE brings the entire professional baking community together, offering the complete range of equipment, supply, and ingredient solutions and showcasing the newest baking technology—all under one roof. IBIE is owned by the American Bakers Association (ABA) and the Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA), with support from the Retail Bakers of America (RBA). All proceeds from this non-profit event are invested back into the industry.