On Saturday, March 7, the penultimate qualifying round of the World Pesto Mortar Championship took place in Campomorone, an event that brought the aroma of basil and the tradition of pesto to the Ligurian hinterland. The competition was hosted by Pastificio La Madia, a local establishment that has been promoting Ligurian cuisine and its raw ingredients for years.
The small village of Campomorone, a charming town in the hinterland, served as the perfect backdrop for a day filled with conviviality and tradition. The decision to hold a stage of the championship here also stems from the desire to promote and showcase the Ligurian territory beyond the coast, highlighting places rich in history, gastronomic culture, and a passion for local products.
During the competition, participants challenged each other using mortar and pestle, following the traditional Ligurian pesto recipe, under the watchful eyes of the jury and the audience.
The winner was Margherita Sandi, a farmer and cheesemaker, who impressed the jury with a balanced and intense pesto. Her victory also represents recognition for the agricultural world and the local supply chain, from which many of the ingredients that make pesto a world-renowned excellence originate.
Thanks to this result, Margherita Sandi advances to the final of the World Pesto Mortar Championship, where she will compete against the best participants selected from the various qualifying rounds. This important achievement confirms how passion, experience, and a connection to the land can make a difference even in an international competition dedicated to Ligurian tradition.
