JRE-Italy XXXIII National Congress in Trani
On March 15 and 16, Trani hosted the XXXIII National Congress of JRE-Italy, the annual event that brings together the Italian chefs in a spirit of dialogue and exchange. The event was also an opportunity to present new projects and the 2026 new members.
It was Trani, in the evocative setting of Tenuta Donna Lavinia, that hosted the XXXIII National Congress of JRE-Italy, held on March 15 and 16. The Association’s annual gathering brought together members and representatives of the JRE network for two days dedicated to dialogue, sharing, and defining future directions and ideas.
The National Congress represents one of the most important moments of the Association: an opportunity to reconnect, reflect on the journey taken, and strengthen the shared vision that has guided the growth of JRE-Italy for over thirty years. It is a moment that combines reflection and planning, while maintaining the core values that have always defined the Association: passion, talent, collaboration, and team spirit.
This year, the choice to return to Southern Italy carries particular significance. JRE-Italy represents the entire country and, through its chefs, tells the story of the richness and diversity of Italian regions. Moving from one congress to another across different parts of the peninsula means celebrating an extraordinary cultural and gastronomic heritage, deeply rooted in local history and traditions.
During the Congress, five new members were also introduced, young chefs joining the JRE-Italy family. This is one of the most meaningful moments of the event, as it reflects the desire to look toward the future and invest in those who have chosen to pursue their culinary talent with determination, perseverance, and passion.
“The National Congress is always a very important occasion for our Association, it is during these meetings that the spirit of JRE takes shape: dialogue, collaboration, and the desire to grow together. Returning to Southern Italy after several years has special value for us, because JRE-Italy showcases the gastronomic richness of our country. Gathering in territories so rich in history and tradition means continuing to highlight the extraordinary diversity of Italian cuisine. At the same time, the addition of five new chefs to our family confirms our commitment to looking ahead and supporting the talent of the younger generations in the restaurant industry.”
President, JRE-Italy
The XXXIII National Congress of JRE-Italy once again proved to be a hub of ideas and initiatives, including those presented and planned for the coming months.
THE JRE-ITALY GUIDE GOES DIGITAL
For 2026, the JRE-Italy Guide is being completely renewed and will become digital, always at your fingertips. Everything just a few clicks away. It will be available through the JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs app, downloadable from Apple and Android stores, or via QR codes in the Association’s restaurants, allowing easy and immediate access to the world of JRE-Italy. Through the app, users will be able to discover chefs and restaurants, book a table, and explore venues through a simple and personalized search, with the option to select destinations by region or city. The app will also offer dedicated content and exclusive benefits, providing users with a tool to explore and get closer to the JRE universe and its protagonists.
JRE YOUNG WEEK
JRE Young Week is launched, an initiative designed to bring younger audiences closer to fine dining and the JRE-Italy restaurant experience. The project is aimed at under-30s, who will benefit from a 30% discount in participating restaurants (excluding wines and beverages), allowing them to enjoy a high-quality gastronomic experience in a more accessible way. The initiative will take place for one week per month in September, October, and November 2026, involving a selection of JRE-Italy restaurants across the country.
The list of participating restaurants and specific dates will be announced later, offering young enthusiasts the opportunity to discover and engage more closely with the world of JRE-Italy.
THE JRE-ITALY SPECIAL PANETTONE FOR FONDAZIONE AIRC RETURNS FOR THE THIRD YEAR
Since 2003, JRE-Italy has supported Fondazione AIRC for cancer research. A concrete commitment to raising awareness about the importance of prevention, starting from the table, and supporting fundraising campaigns that ensure continuity for the work of 6,000 researchers.
In 2024 and 2025, the contribution of Jeunes Restaurateurs Italia took the form of a special Panettone created for the Christmas campaign supporting AIRC’s pediatric cancer research projects. Following its success, with over 8,000 panettoni sold in just a few days in the first year and more than 10,000 in the second, the initiative will return for Christmas 2026 with an updated yet equally indulgent recipe.
VINITALY…D’AUTORE
JRE-Italy will once again strengthen its presence at Vinitaly 2026, one of the most important events in the wine and gastronomy world. “Momenti d’Autore” returns, a now well-established format featuring the Association’s chefs: each day a different chef will present a contemporary reinterpretation of their regional cuisine, showcasing territories, traditions, and creativity through their dishes.
Alongside this, following the great success of the previous edition, the “Street Food d’Autore” area will this year be entirely curated by JRE-Italy. A dedicated space with various gastronomic offerings and the daily presence of three JRE chefs, ready to reinterpret one of the most immediate and popular culinary languages in a creative way.
CHEFS FOR LIFE
The collaboration with Chefs for Life continues, an organization with which JRE-Italy has already shared important charitable initiatives. Last year, over fifteen chefs from the Association took part in an exclusive evening dedicated to solidarity, while early 2026 saw the launch of the “Chef at Home” initiative, combining fine dining with social commitment.
This year, JRE-Italy confirms its commitment to supporting Chefs for Life, with the aim of creating a new event capable of making an impact not only gastronomically but also through meaningful charitable support.
TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATIONS
The collaboration between JRE-Italy and two of Italy’s most historic hospitality schools continues: E. Maggia in Stresa and Pellegrino Artusi in Recoaro Terme. This partnership translates into a series of initiatives designed to support students’ education and foster dialogue between schools and the restaurant industry. These include lessons on cuisine and front-of-house service led by JRE-Italy chefs, as well as work-study programs and special activities developed to support the institutions.
NEW MEMBERS 2026
The new members joining the JRE-Italy family in 2026:
A’ CUNCUMA – Chef Gianfilippo Gatto (Palermo);
LA SPIGOLA – Chef Roberto Pisano (Golfo Aranci – SA);
NELLO – Chef Federico Migliori (San Casciano Val di Pesa – FI);
ENIGMA RESTAURANT – Chef Ciro Sieno (Reggio Emilia);
LA FILANDA – Cristian Benvenuto (Macherio – MB).
ONGOING ACTIVITIES WITH PARTNERS
In 2026, activities continue, some of which were presented during the Congress, along with the valuable partnerships with brands that have chosen to stand alongside the Association, sharing its goals, values, and projects: Consorzio Tutela Formaggio Asiago, AEG, Cantina Guido Berlucchi, Acqua San Benedetto, Champagne Cattier, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board, Coltellerie Berti, Agust Caffè, Riso Margherita, Molini Fagioli, Coppini Arte Olearia, Jermann, Partesa.
