Brisbane, 13 October 2025 – Queensland has claimed pizza supremacy, taking out the 2025 State of Origin Pizza Awards at Food & Hospitality Queensland, the state’s biggest foodservice trade show.
Leading the charge was Stefano Spataro, pizza chef and owner of Elementi Restaurant in Brisbane, who was crowned Overall Winner after an intense competition that brought together the best pizzaioli from across Queensland and New South Wales.
Spataro wowed the judges with his signature pizza, La Campagnola – a beautifully balanced creation featuring a mozzarella base, Jersey Brie, olive jam, rocket with balsamic, and culatello di Zibello prosciutto. His creativity, technical precision, and authentic Italian flair secured him the $2,000 prize and top honours for Team QLD.
Twice Australia’s top qualifier for the World Pizza Championship (31st & 32nd editions) and runner-up at Italy’s National Pizza with Fish Championship, Spataro is celebrated for his mastery across all pizza styles – Neapolitan, Roman and tray – and for his dedication to genuine Italian tradition.
“The competition level was seriously high this year, everyone brought their absolute best to the table,” said head judge and Gradi Group Director Johnny Di Francesco.
“Stefano’s pizzas were world-class, and Team QLD came in strong with incredible quality and passion.”
As part of his prize, Spataro also earns automatic entry into the 2026 Australia’s Best Pizza Competition, taking place in May next year in Sydney at the Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Show, part of Food & Hospitality Week 2026 at ICC Sydney.
Team Queensland’s Winning Line-up
Spataro was joined by two outstanding teammates to take out the prize for QLD:
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Giammichele Laccetti – Owner of Freghete Authentic Pizza in Broadbeach Waters, world championship competitor (2025) and finalist in the Australia’s Best Pizza Awards. Known for his obsession with pizza perfection and precision.
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Salvatore Mazzarino – Pizzaiolo and owner of La Napoli Verace, born in Naples and raised in a family of pizzaioli. With deep roots in Neapolitan tradition and years of international experience, Mazzarino brings authenticity and warmth to every dish.
Together, the trio delivered outstanding performances across multiple challenges, edging out a strong NSW contingent in front of a packed live audience.
But while QLD took out the title, NSW still brought some serious heat to the competition with a tiramisu pizza showing out-of-the-box thinking.
“It was awesome to see so much talent, creativity, and good vibes in one place, that’s what makes our pizza community so special!” said Johnny.
Judged by the Best in the Business
The 2025 State of Origin Pizza Awards were judged by a world-class panel led by:
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Johnny Di Francesco, Head Judge, Gradi Group | AVPN (World Pizza Champion and Master Trainer)
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Emanuele Malara, 2025 Winner of Australia’s Best Pizza Awards
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Youssef Ben Touati, Multi-award-winning Pizza Champion, Selecta Food Group
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The State of Origin Pizza Awards were proudly presented in partnership with Marana Forni, That’s Amore Cheese, and Mauri, whose support helps shine a spotlight on the craft, creativity, and innovation driving Australia’s thriving pizza industry.
