The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan Announces "Gran Concorso di Cucina" (GCC) National Italian Cooking Competition!

Event Outline Gran Concorso di Cucina (17th National Italian Cooking Competition) hosted by The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan

**[Eligibility]** Professional chefs in Japan (excluding Italian nationality)

**●Semifinals (8 participants)** October 19, 2026 (Monday) [Venue] Cooking studio in Tokyo (tentative) **●Finals (2 participants)** November 20, 2026 (Friday) [Venue] Cooking studio in Tokyo (tentative)

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan will once again host the Italian cooking competition for professional chefs, "Gran Concorso di Cucina (GCC)," in 2026. This competition is exclusively for professional chefs, aiming to discover new talent in Japan and promote regional Italian cuisine. The judging will be conducted primarily by prominent Italian chefs active in Japan, evaluated from an authentic Italian perspective.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan will once again host the Italian cooking competition for professional chefs, "Gran Concorso di Cucina (GCC)," in 2026. This competition is exclusively for professional chefs, aiming to discover new talent in Japan and promote regional Italian cuisine. The judging will be conducted primarily by prominent Italian chefs active in Japan, evaluated strictly from an authentic Italian perspective.

We have now started accepting entries for the 17th National Italian Cooking Competition (GCC). Applicants are required to submit their original recipes and food photographs, and only chefs who pass the document screening will advance to the semifinals. In the semifinals, a practical examination will be conducted where dishes are prepared within a limited time, comprehensively evaluating taste, presentation, creativity, theme, and understanding of Italian cuisine.

Two finalists who succeed in the semifinals will advance to the final round, which will be held in front of an audience, competing with their final dish for the title of "GCC 2026" champion. The semifinals are planned to be held privately, while the finals will be open to the public. The winner and runner-up will receive luxurious prizes.

We look forward to challenges from professional chefs confident in their skills.

Event Outline GCC (17th National Italian Cooking Competition) Gran Concorso di Cucina

**[Eligibility]** Professional chefs in Japan (excluding Italian nationality)

**[Judges]** Famous Italian chefs *Judges are generally composed of Italian nationals

**[Scheduled Dates (tentative)]** - Recipe preliminary screening: September 1 (Tuesday) - September 11 (Friday), 2026 - Semifinals (8 participants): October 19 (Monday), 2026 - Finals (2 participants): November 20 (Friday), 2026

**[Application & Details]** https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheItalianChamberOfCommerceInJapan/GranConcorsoDiCucina2026

**[Registration Deadline]** August 2026