Panettone Day 2026 celebrates artisanal winners and savory trends

The 2026 edition of Panettone Day, a competition celebrating Italian artisanal panettone, concluded in Milan. The event, a collaboration between Braims and Novacart, introduced a new category for savory creative panettone.

Winners of the competition include Alessandro Botti of La Palma 1914 for the Traditional category, Francesco Bertolini for Creative Sweet, Magda Fasciglione for Chocolate, Francesco Paolella for Ancient Grains, and Antonio Giannotti for the new Creative Savory category. The judging was led by Master Gino Fabbri.

This shift toward savory profiles reflects a broader culinary trend where the traditional leavened dough is repurposed with ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, herbs, cheeses, and cured meats. Savory panettone is increasingly being served in restaurants as an appetizer or as a sophisticated alternative to bread during holiday meals.