Rome. Establishment of the «Master of the art of Italian cuisine» award. Lollobrigida: “With the 'Massari Award' we bring recognition to our excellent Masters”.

“With the green light for the 'Massari Prize', from today it will finally be possible to institutionally recognize all the Masters who excel on a daily basis, in Italy and around the world, in the arts of Italian cuisine”. This was declared by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, commenting on thefinal approval of the government initiative bill establishing the award «Master of the art of Italian cuisine».

The provision, presented by the owner of Masaf Francesco Lollobrigida and approved last August 7th in the Council of Ministers, it received the green light from the Senate today after having received it the vote in favor of the Chamber of Deputies on January 31st.

“I want to dedicate this award to maestro Iginio Massari, because he urged me to implement a rule that could enhance these very important figures, often true 'ambassadors' of quality and Italianness who keep the name of Made in Italy high in the world and who deserve fair recognition from the State for their art and their commitment", underlined Minister Lollobrigida, adding that "this award will help support and promote the development of Italian culinary art, famous throughout the world for excellence that combines craftsmanship and creativity."

“'Master of the art of Italian cuisine' it is law and it is great news for all chefs, pastry chefs and food artisans, ambassadors of our culinary traditions. A recognition that we want to give to those who, like Master Pastry Chef Iginio Massari, who gives his name to the law, honor the gastronomic excellences that make Italy unique and inimitable in the world", declared Masaf Undersecretary Patrizio La Pietra.

The bill presented by the owner of Masaf, Francesco Lollobrigida, provides for the establishment of "Master of the art of Italian cuisine" award, awarded to Italian citizens who have distinguished themselves in a commendable manner in the field of gastronomy and, with their work, they have enhanced the prestige of Italian cuisine, illustrating the homeland and contributing to enhancing national excellence.

The award will be awarded annually by the President of the Council of Ministers. They are expected to be conferred within sixty days of the date of entry into force of the law six Master of the art of Italian cuisine awards, one for each of the categories: ice cream making, pastry making, cooking, viticulture, olive growing and dairy art. Among the requirements for candidacy, it is necessary to have completed a multi-year training course and to have gained at least fifteen years of proven and recognized experience in the relevant sector. Those awarded may be given expert positions in professional institutes for food and wine and hotel hospitality.

The prize consists of one bronze medal with the emblem of the Italian Republic and the wording, declined due to belonging to one of the categories of merit, «Master of the art of Italian ice cream making», «Master of the art of Italian pastry making», «Master of the art of Italian cuisine», «Master of the Italian wine art», «Master of the Italian olive oil art» and «Master of Italian dairy art".