The Amalfi Coast celebrates its signature pastry with the 12th edition of the Santa Rosa Pastry Cup. Iginio Massari chairs the jury, while Pierre Hermé is named “Ambassador of the Santarosa in the World.” Two days of events between Conca dei Marini and Agerola dedicated to authentic traditions, Amalfi Coast local food, and the timeless flavours of traditional dishes of the Amalfi Coast.
25th september 2025, by Redazione. Photo Courtesy of Santa Rosa Pastry Cup
The Sfogliatella Santarosa: an icon of Amalfi Coast local food
On the Amalfi Coast, heritage is often best understood at the table. Among the traditional dishes of the Amalfi Coast, one pastry stands out: the Sfogliatella Santarosa. Born in the 18th century within the cloistered monastery of Santa Rosa in Conca dei Marini, this delicacy has since become a true icon of Amalfi Coast local food, celebrated for its layered pastry, delicate cream, and centuries-old story.
It is precisely to honour this tradition that, on 25 and 26 September 2025, the Santa Rosa Pastry Cup returns, an international competition bringing together pastry legends and the next generation of young talents.
Theme 2025: “Sfogliatella in Verses”
This year’s edition is inspired by a prose-poetic text linked to Salvatore Di Giacomo, which evokes an ancient recipe for the Santarosa. Under the theme “Sfogliatella in Verses”, contestants are invited to reinterpret the pastry by blending history and creativity, transforming flavours into a “poem to be savoured.”
The event unfolds across two emblematic sites of the Amalfi Coast:
25 September – Conca dei Marini (7:00 pm)
The opening ceremony takes place in the evocative Church of Santa Rosa, adjoining the former monastery (today the luxury Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa). The evening will feature an artistic performance curated by the Odysea Association.
26 September – Agerola (5:00 pm)
The competition follows at the Campus Principe di Napoli, a leading centre of culinary education overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
More than a competition, the Santa Rosa Pastry Cup is a cultural event that turns the spotlight on the Amalfi Coast’s food heritage. For two days, the Sfogliatella Santarosa becomes a bridge between past and present — a sweet narrative that embodies the story of the region, where monasteries, fishermen, and artisans have shaped one of Italy’s richest traditions in food and flavour.
For travellers passionate about Amalfi Coast local food and eager to discover authentic culinary traditions, this event is an unmissable occasion to experience how pastry, culture, and landscape come together in a celebration of identity.
Schools competing for the Santarosa crown
Some of Italy’s most prestigious culinary schools will compete:
Alma – International School of Italian Cuisine (Colorno, Parma)
In Cibum – Advanced Culinary School (Pontecagnano Faiano, Salerno)
Dolce & Salato (Maddaloni, Caserta)
CAST Alimenti – Culinary Arts School (Brescia)
The Campus Principe di Napoli, as host school, will not compete but will present a showcase inspired by the year’s theme.
An international jury of excellence
The judging panel brings together some of the most celebrated figures in pastry and gastronomy worldwide:
Iginio Massari, President of the Jury
Pierre Hermé, honoured as Ambassador of the Santarosa in the World 2025/2026
Tommaso Foglia, Italian pastry talent and TV personality (Bake Off Italia)
Angelo Musa, award-winning French MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France)
Davide Malizia, Sucre d’Or 2020 and six-time pastry world champion
Alfonso Iaccarino, legendary chef of Don Alfonso 1890
Loretta Fanella, jury godmother and visionary pastry artist
Nicola Pansa, guardian of Amalfi’s pastry heritage
Tradition with a vision for the future
“We are honoured to welcome the world’s leading pastry masters to the birthplace of the Sfogliatella Santarosa. The 12th edition of the Santa Rosa Pastry Cup reaffirms our mission to unite roots and tradition with an eye to the future, through the young chefs who will become tomorrow’s pastry leaders,” say organisers Tiziana Carbone, Nicola Pansa, and Antonio Vuolo.
