Jury Belgium Gelato Festival 2024
On 25 February 2025, the Belgian Ice Cream Chefs' Championship, the Belgium Gelato Festival Challenge, will take place during the Ranson Icedays, at Carpigiani University. With 24 participants, the competition promises to be an exciting battle between the country's best ice cream chefs. An expert jury will judge the creations and determine who can call himself Belgium's best ice cream chef in 2025.
An experienced and renowned jury
The jury is once again headed by Bruno Van Vaerenbergh. As an international culinary consultant for Debic and guest lecturer at international schools, he is in daily contact with food industry professionals. With more than 25 years of experience, he closely follows the latest trends and innovations and shares his expertise through trade journals and judging in prestigious competitions. His critical eye and in-depth knowledge guarantee a fair and professional assessment of the participants.
In addition to the chairman, the following top judges sit on the panel:
- Sebastien Trudelle - Meilleur Ouvrier de France and business manager of Smores. Smores is based in the Netherlands, with shops in Meerssen and Maastricht. Besides his expertise in patisserie and dessert creations, he has a deep passion for artisanal ice cream. He is known for his innovative combinations and sophisticated textures, making him an influential figure within the world of gelato. Trudelle earned the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in the patisserie/confiserie category in 2019 and represented France at the World Chocolate Masters in 2009.
- Dylan Vandenberghe - Sous-chef and chef-patissier at Boury, one of Belgium's most prestigious restaurants. With a background in high-end gastronomy and an in-depth knowledge of both classic and modern patisserie techniques, he excels in refined textures and innovative flavour combinations. His eye for detail and exceptional sense of flavour balance make him a valuable judge, bridging the gap between haute cuisine and artisanal ice cream chefs.
- Bram Hullebroeck - Teacher at the Belgian Chocolate School at Chocolate World. With a broad knowledge of pastry and dessert preparations, he helps professionals perfect their techniques. He has already been a demonstrator at numerous major ice cream fairs and enjoys sharing his expertise with professionals in the sector. His experience in creating balanced flavours and textures makes him a valuable addition to the jury, critically assessing how artisanal ice cream can be taken to the next level.
With their years of experience and passion for the trade, they will be strict but fair in judging the contestants on creativity, flavour balance, texture and technical skills.
Who will crown themselves champions?
The top three in the Belgium Gelato Festival Challenge will not only receive national recognition, but will also get to represent Belgium at the international Gelato Festival World Masters. This makes the competition a crucial moment for Belgian ice cream chefs dreaming of international recognition.
Come along and taste the magic!
With a strong field of competitors and a world-class jury, the 2025 edition promises to be a true spectacle. Are you a lover of artisanal ice cream? Then be sure to come along to the Ranson Icedays 2025 and discover the most innovative and delicious creations of Belgium's top ice cream chefs!