Giovanni Onori to Represent Italy at the Torres Brandy Zero Challenge Global Finals

Exciting news from the Italian hospitality scene! Giovanni Onori, a talented professional from Bulgari Hotel in Rome, has secured his place as Italy’s representative at the global finals of the Torres Brandy Zero Challenge. The competition will take place in Barcelona from March 25 to 27, 2025, marking the third edition of this prestigious event dedicated to sustainable innovation in mixology. This contest not only celebrates creativity in the industry but also emphasizes environmental responsibility in hospitality.

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The Italian Finals and Their Significance

On February 25, the Italian finals of the Torres Brandy Zero Challenge 2024/2025 were held at Le Etoile Terrace in Rome. As the first international competition dedicated to sustainability in the hospitality sector, this event plays a crucial role in raising awareness among industry professionals about reducing environmental impact. It provides a platform to recognize and reward innovative projects that prioritize sustainability.

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A Shift in Competition Format

This year, the Torres Brandy Zero Challenge underwent a major transformation. Instead of focusing on cocktail presentations, the competition now exclusively highlights sustainability projects. This shift opens the door for professionals not just from the bar industry but also from the restaurant sector, broadening the scope of participants. Competitors are judged on initiatives that address pressing environmental and social issues, such as reducing CO2 emissions, recycling materials, and promoting social inclusion.

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National Selection and Onori’s Victory

The competition is structured in two phases: national qualifiers and the global finals in Barcelona. During the Italian finals, three outstanding professionals competed for the national title and the chance to represent Italy,

Giovanni Onori (Bulgari Hotel, Rome)

Marco Colasanti (Depero, Rieti)

Giuseppe Tenore (Caffè Paszkowski, Florence)

The final showdown was overseen by Andrea Corelli, brand ambassador for Torres Brandy, with a distinguished panel of judges including Riccardo Marinelli (beverage consultant at Terrazza Le Etoile), Laetitia Chaillou (PR manager and press office professional in the hospitality sector), and Carla Ascoli (interior designer at Linea Minimum Studio).

Onori claimed victory with his innovative project, “4Future”, which stood out for its originality and sustainability-driven approach. His initiative impressed the judges, securing him a spot in the global finals in Barcelona.

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Looking Ahead to the 2025 Global Finals

The upcoming Torres Brandy Zero Challenge in 2025 is set to expand its reach, welcoming a broader range of projects and participants. While the competition initially centered on the bar industry, this year’s edition encourages active participation from restaurant professionals as well.

Competing projects must demonstrate measurable impact in tackling environmental and social challenges, such as CO2 reduction, waste management, recycling, and social inclusion.

In previous editions, standout projects have included Barcelona’s Paradiso, crowned No. 1 in “The World’s 50 Best Bars” in 2022. Giacomo Giannotti’s “Zero Waste Lab” initiative showcased an innovative approach to repurposing bar waste into useful tools, setting a high benchmark for sustainability in hospitality.

With the brightest minds in the industry coming together once again, the 2025 finals promise to unveil groundbreaking ideas that will shape a more sustainable future for hospitality worldwide. All eyes will be on Giovanni Onori as he represents Italy on this prestigious stage!

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Torres Brandy - Spain’s Iconic Brandy

Torres Brandy is a renowned brand from Spain’s esteemed Familia Torres winery.

The Torres family has been making wine since 1870 and began producing brandy in 1928. Today, Torres Brandy is recognized worldwide as one of Spain’s leading spirits brands.

What makes Torres Brandy exceptional is its use of high-quality Spanish ingredients and traditional craftsmanship. Made primarily from Airén and Parellada white grapes grown in Catalonia, the brandy is carefully distilled using time-honored techniques. It is then aged using the "Solera System," a method that blends brandies of different ages to ensure consistent quality and depth of flavor year after year.

Sustainability is a key pillar of Torres Brandy’s philosophy. Familia Torres is a leader in sustainable winemaking and distillation, actively working to reduce CO2 emissions and incorporate renewable energy into production. Their brandy-making process also prioritizes environmentally friendly methods to minimize its ecological footprint.

The Torres Brandy lineup offers something for everyone, from beginners to connoisseurs:

Torres 5 A well-balanced brandy with vanilla, caramel, and spice notes, perfect for cocktails.

Torres 10 Richer and smoother, ideal for sipping straight or on the rocks.

Torres 15 A luxurious choice with deep flavors of toffee and coffee, delivering a more complex experience.

Jaime I The pinnacle of the Torres collection, aged for over 20 years. With its refined notes of dried fruit and chocolate, this brandy is perfect for special occasions.

With its rich history, commitment to quality, and dedication to sustainability, Torres Brandy continues to be a global leader in the spirits industry.

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