Ànakin Rivera will represent Catalonia at the European Young Chef Award 2025

The 44th University Gastronomy Day was a meeting point for students and sector professionals, standing out for emerging talent and culinary innovation. This edition hosted the 37th Catalan Young Cooking Competition and the 41st Catalan Young Cocktail Competition, with 10 hospitality schools from across Catalonia taking part. With a jury of prestigious experts, the day recognised the country's best young culinary talents.

In the cooking competition the overall winner was Ànakin Rivera, a student at the Sant Pol de Mar University School of Hospitality and Tourism (EUHT StPOL), who won the overall prize and the Catalan Food prize, which will see him represent Catalonia at the European Young Chef Award this November. In cocktails, the top honour went to Yuliya Dzhus, a student at EHTB Escola d'Hoteleria i Turisme de Barcelona, who won with a creative, innovative proposal.

The competition had a high-level jury. The Catalan Young Cooking Competition was chaired by chef Elena Arzak, accompanied by Rosa Mayordomo (Catalan Academy of Gastronomy), Laura Martí Aixa (Prodeca), Fernando Toda (Vilbo group – Saber y Sabor) and Ramon Serra (EUHT StPOL). Meanwhile, the Catalan Young Cocktail Competition was led by Toni Cortés Recatalá, accompanied by Mariona Vilanova (Club del Barman) and Ramón Griñó (Catalan Sommeliers Association).

The day also included two masterclasses given by the jury chairs. Elena Arzak shared her experience and vision of how gastronomy has evolved at the helm of Restaurante Arzak, while Toni Cortés and Mariona Vilanova explored the latest trends in cocktails and garnishing.

The day was organised in collaboration with Prodeca, the Government of Catalonia, Catalunya Experience, the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition, IGCAT, the Catalan Bartenders Club – FABE, the Catalan Sommeliers Association and Sant Pol de Mar Town Council.