Gennaro Contaldo to host world’s leading food photography awards ceremony

Photo of Gennaro Contaldo taken by our Chair of Judges, David Loftus.

We are thrilled to reveal that the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini will be the renowned chef and food writer Gennaro Contaldo.

Gennaro is one of the most beloved ambassadors of authentic Italian cooking. Born on the Amalfi Coast, he built his career in London, becoming a popular television personality and mentor to Jamie Oliver.

An author of numerous bestselling cookbooks and a passionate champion of regional Italian food, Gennaro has spent decades sharing the traditions and stories of Italian cuisine with audiences around the world. His latest cookbook, Hidden Italy, celebrates the rich regional heritage of Italian cooking and the timeless recipes passed down through generations.

“We are thrilled to announce Gennaro as our Master of Ceremonies 2026,” says Caroline Kenyon, Founder of the Awards. “His passion for food, for people, his warmth and infectious joy in life, will make this year’s Awards Evening a truly special occasion.”

The Champagne Taittinger Awards Evening will take place at the prestigious Mall Galleries, London on 2nd June. It will bring together the competition’s finalists, judges, sponsors, plus stars of the food and photography worlds, for an evening of inspiration and celebration.

This will be followed by a free-to-enter exhibition at the Mall Galleries of all finalist images, which will run until Sunday 7th June. A selection of finalist images will then be exhibited at the iconic Fortnum & Mason store on Piccadilly.