Gelato chef to compete for place in world finals

Daniele Panunzio is one of three gelato makers selected to represent the UK in the European Masters

A chef is heading to the European finals of an "elite" gelato championship after winning judges over with a single scoop inspired by a childhood memory.

Daniele Panunzio, who is based in Bristol, will compete against 150 gelato makers from 14 countries in Bologna, Italy, from 27 to 31 October.

The founder and owner of Panunzio's Kitchen qualified with his winning recipe, the Montebianco, an ode to a nostalgic "afternoon snack" in Rome - based around goats cheese, raspberries and nuts.

"That recipe brings me back to my childhood," he said. "My grandmother was an incredible cook and I always loved being with her in the kitchen."

Mr Panunzio advanced to the European Finals after being crowned winner of the Hereford heat last year

The competition began in 2022 with 4,000 gelato makers from around the world.

If Mr Panunzio qualifies at the European finals, he will earn a place at the Carpigiani Gelato Festival world finals in 2026.

"It's been a very lovely achievement," said Mr Panunzio, who is one of only three UK competitors left.

"It's the elite contest in the gelato industry. I'm really honoured to represent Bristol and England, bringing Italian traditions abroad with the finest quality products.

"It really makes me proud."

Mr Panunzio's signature flavour is on sale beside his other recipes

Taste, structure, creativity and presentation were the four parameters judged by the panel.

Mr Panunzio said he was commended for his "bold" choice of ingredients.

"Goats cheese is something you either love or you don't," he explained.

"But they loved the balance in the flavours and said it was outstanding, so I think it was a good move."

The Italian chef said the Montebianco embodied the perfect harmony of "flavour and tradition".

Mr Panzunio's winning recipe was inspired by snacks his grandmother would make for him as a child

He added: "I used to have an afternoon snack in my grandmother's house, some goats cheese spread on freshly baked bread with raspberries and nuts.

"That's the reason I wake up in the morning and come to work with a smile, it's what really fills me up."

Mr Panunzio gave no hint of whether his upcoming entry would be similarly sentimental, but did reveal he was "excited" for the challenge.

"I want to do my best and I want to take home the crown obviously, I'm very focused on that."