The Government honours the greats of Italian cuisine, from Bottura to Pepe. Massari: "Thank you, Meloni, the only one who listened to us"

Apr 2 2025, 16:17

The Prime Minister, together with the Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, presents the awards for the first time to the Masters of the Art of Italian Cuisine. The event at Palazzo Chigi

Massimo Bottura, Iginio Massari, Franco Pepe, Riccardo Cotarella, Piercristiano Brazzale, Maria Francesca Di Martino, Carlo Petrini, Carlotta Fabbri. Eight names – six men, two women – eight great figures in Italian cuisine. At Palazzo Chigi, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, together with the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, implemented the so-called Massari Bill, the law approved by parliament a year ago, in April 2024, which established the award for the "Masters of the Art of Italian Cuisine." Eight categories and as many awards were assigned to professionals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, contributing to the recognition of the value of Italian cuisine worldwide. "The journey to get here has been long, and I must say that Giorgia Meloni has been the only one, among all governments, who listened to me," said Massari, speaking on stage. "It has been a difficult path, lasting roughly twenty-two years. Italy needed this, as our country can teach many how to eat healthily and how to achieve great things thanks to people who persevere day by day."

"This award," said Lollobrigida at the beginning of the ceremony, "speaks of the high symbolic and cultural value of Italian cuisine" and at the same time is a way "to respond to the appeal of those who had established themselves in Italy and around the world over time but 'suffered' from not having their achievements recognised at home. Thank you, honoured Masters, for the passion and expertise you bring every day. I know how much the sector has been waiting for this recognition."

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, together with Massimo Bottura and the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida

It is the first time, but not the last. The Government promises that year after year, the award will be presented to other personalities in Italian gastronomy, expanding the categories beyond the initial eight. "I like to consider these people 'living cultural assets' because in their hands, in their mastery, lies the synthesis of an unparalleled professionalism," said the Prime Minister, speaking at the end of the awards ceremony.