The Guilde Internationale des Fromagers revealed last night, via an Instagram live stream, the names of the five finalists who will compete for the title of Italy’s Best Cheesemonger. The final will take place in Bergamo during the B2Cheese event on September 25.
This year, the competition saw nearly double the entries compared to the previous edition, with significant participation from young enthusiasts working in the dairy and hospitality industries. The jury, composed of members of the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers, evaluated participants based on the presentation of their cheese platters, the description of the selected cheeses, and their adherence to this year’s theme: “The Colours of Milk.”
The five finalists, listed alphabetically, were introduced by Valentina Bergamin and the President of Guilde Italia, Armando Brusato. Here are their names:
- Bruno Bossini: From Brescia, born in 1978, owner of Zona Alpi – La Malga in Città in Milan. The jury appreciated his technical language and “poetic flair,” along with the precision of his various cheese cuts.
- Hakim Jendaoui: Born in 1993, originally from Branzi in Lombardy, and head of the restaurant division at BU Cheese Bar in Bergamo. The jury noted his attention to detail, unconventional pairings, and mastery combined with a deep love for the local territory.
- Gianmarco Moroni: From Piedmont, born in 1968, owner of a delicatessen in Novara. The jury described his work as a “triumph of colours and geometry” executed with precision and cleanliness.
- Davide Raffaetta: From Collecchio, collaborator at Silvano Romani. President Brusato personally announced his participation, highlighting the elegance and lightness of his platter, which narrated his childhood through cheese.
- Marco Zacchello: From Trebaseleghe, representing the third generation of cheesemongers in his family. The jury praised his creativity, which conveyed the stories of cheese denominations and presidia from northern to southern Italy.
After the announcement, congratulations poured in for the finalists from many figures in the dairy sector, emphasizing the spirit of collegiality within the industry, as highlighted by President Brusato. The date is now set for September in Bergamo, where we will find out who will be crowned Italy’s Best Cheesemonger and go on to represent the country at the international competition in Tours.
