Daniele Tantucci wins the 2026 Italian Cous Cous Championship

Chef Daniele Tantucci, a culinary instructor from Senigallia, has won the 2026 Italian Cous Cous Conad Championship held in San Vito Lo Capo. His winning dish, a Mediterranean cous cous featuring tuna tartare, was praised by both the popular festival jury and a technical panel led by food journalist Manuela Zennaro.

Zennaro described the dish as a “coherent and original territorial reinterpretation” with an “impeccable sensory balance” involving Mediterranean saltiness, seasonal freshness, and precise technical execution. Tantucci outperformed three other competitors, including runner-up Carolina Rossino from Sardinia.

Tantucci will represent Italy at the World Cous Cous Championship alongside Enrico Figuccia. Other special awards included the sustainable cooking prize, which was awarded to Barbara Conti.