California-made Mozzarella was a standout ingredient during the 2024 Trofeo Caputo (aka the Caputo Cup). As chefs brought their most creative and delicious pizza creations to light, the three top winners shared something in common: the use of California-made Mozzarella cheese.
“A winning pizza needs a winning cheese. We’re so proud of all of the pizza makers and thrilled that the three best pizzas in the American division were topped with Real California Mozzarella, a testament to the cheesemakers and the quality milk from our California dairy farm families,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB.
In the overall American Division, Siler Chapman—Co-Owner of King of Fire in Fort Mill, South Carolina—took home first place. Lars Smith, Owner of Los Altos, California-based State of Mind Public House & Pizzeria came in second while Windsor, California-based PizzaLeah’s Leah Scurto nabbed the third-place prize.
As a press release shared, Scurto—who was sponsored by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) for winning the Real California Pizza Contest Tournament of Champions cook-off in October 2023—used two California-made cheeses on her winning pizza.
“I was absolutely thrilled to be the CMAB’s representative. As a native Californian, I’m very proud of showcasing all things California around the world,” Scurto said. “Winning the CMAB’s Tournament of Champions allowed me the opportunity to do just that.”
California boasts an impressive lineup of award-winning cheesemakers and dairy processors that help drive dining innovation nationwide.
“The CMAB, California’s dairy farmers, and cheesemakers want to say thank you to the three chefs for letting us be a small part of their accomplishments at the 2024 Caputo Cup,” said Mike Gallagher. “And, of course, we are especially proud to sponsor Chef Leah Scurto, who helped to shine the light on California dairy!”
Read more about the winners and their culinary creations here.
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