On July 7, Rome will become the beating heart of the world of authentic Neapolitan pizza, as Officine Farneto hosts a special event organized by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN). Bringing together institutional discussion and professional competition, the day will celebrate both the cultural value of Neapolitan pizza and the future of the profession behind it.
The event will open with the conference "Pizza Maker: A Profession Worth Protecting," a discussion dedicated to highlighting the need for greater professional recognition and protection for pizza makers. Although they are the custodians of a culinary tradition recognized by UNESCO, the profession still lacks adequate legal and contractual recognition in many respects.
The keynote speaker will be Antonio Pace, President of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, whose long-standing commitment has been instrumental in safeguarding the AVPN regulations and promoting the values of authentic Neapolitan pizza around the world. Moderating the discussion will be Selena Vacca, Legislative Advisor to the Italian Senate, who will offer valuable insight into the legislative pathways that could strengthen the recognition and protection of the profession.
At 1:30 p.m., the focus will shift from discussion to competition as Officine Farneto hosts the Rome qualifying round of the Vera Pizza Napoletana Champion 2026. AVPN member pizza makers will compete by preparing authentic Neapolitan pizzas in full compliance with the AVPN regulations, aiming to secure a place in the Championship Finals.
The competition will be judged by an expert panel consisting of Corrado Scaglione, Alberto Lento, and Giuliano Bucci, who will evaluate each pizza and identify the competitors who best embody the tradition, technique, and excellence of true Neapolitan pizza.
The event also provides an opportunity to thank the partners whose support has made the day possible: Officine Farneto, Excellence Eventi, Sori Italia, Molino Dalla Giovanna, Zanolli Forni and Zucchi Professional. Their ongoing commitment to quality, authenticity, and the promotion of true Neapolitan pizza continues to play a vital role in AVPN's mission.
More than just a competition, the event aims to shine a spotlight on an increasingly important issue within the industry: the recognition of the pizza maker as a skilled professional and guardian of a centuries-old craft that deserves modern protection and institutional recognition.
