If there is anything with a secure place on Italy’s Christmas tables, that’s panettone. Yet, in recent years, it has taken on a role well beyond its seasonal roots, as a growing network of competitions, festivals, and professional awards has turned this traditional cake into a benchmark for contemporary Italian pastry.
What happens in Italy is closely watched abroad, and the same names that win in Rome, Naples, or Verona now appear in American holiday gift guides and on the shelves of the best stores. This intersection between craftsmanship, competitive excellence, and international demand offers a clear picture of how panettone has been evolving, both as a cultural symbol and as a global product.
