2nd Edition of the World Pesto Championship

19th of April, 2008: 2nd Edition of the World Pesto Championship

100 Contestants, 10 Finalists

In the Salone del Maggior Consiglio at Palazzo Ducale, a historical palace in Genoa and beating heart of today’s main cultural events and activities, 100 competitors from all over the world will challenge each other with pestle and mortar in the preparation of Genoese Pesto according to traditional methods and using authentic and genuine ingredients.

The organizers provide each competitor with all the ingredients and tools they need to participate in the competition. A panel of gastronomes and expert tasters selects the 10 finalists who compete in the finale that afternoon.

There are 215 pre-registered athletes for the Championship, and 100 competitors, including 60% Ligurians and 40% non-Ligurians. 17 foreign competitors come from Japan, Lebanon, the United States, Scotland, England, Ireland, France, Germany, and Sri Lanka. 16 winners of the preliminary rounds. Average age: 40. The youngest: 23. The oldest: 81. The furthest: from Tokyo. 60% are men.

Professions: restaurant professionals, office workers, entrepreneurs, engineers, students and retirees, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and computer scientists.

Our congratulations to the 2008 World Pesto Champion: the young American cook James D. Bowien!