The Pesto Olympiad

Experience authentic Italian spirit, teamwork, and culinary passion in one unforgettable event: The Pesto Olympiad.

Authentic Italian Experience

Discover the flavours, stories, and traditions behind the famous Pesto Genovese.

Creative Team Challenge

Collaboration, laughter, and a touch of healthy competition make this culinary challenge an unforgettable team experience.

Shared Enjoyment & Reward

Celebrate your creations together over a delicious plate of Trofie al Pesto Genovese.

A Flavourful and Competitive Team-Building Challenge in Italy

This unique team-building experience in Italy combines flavour, creativity, and a touch of friendly competition – creating a joyful atmosphere that strengthens team bonds and sparks inspiration.

Whether as the highlight of your corporate incentive trip, a team event for large groups, or a culinary activity during your company offsite, the Pesto Olympiad can be organized anywhere in Italy or even abroad.

Let’s discuss your event plans for Italy in a quick, personal call.

Benefits of the Pesto Olympiad as a Team-Building Event

Strengthens team spirit & unity – through collaboration, fun, and communication.
Boosts creativity – as teams invent their own unique recipes.
Authentic Italian experience – immerse yourself in local traditions, ingredients, and lifestyle.
Motivates through competition – a fun and dynamic format that energizes teams.
Flexible implementation – possible anywhere in Italy or at your company’s location, indoors or outdoors.
Perfect for large groups – easily scalable for 100+ participants.

Perfect for Large Groups

The Pesto Olympiad is highly adaptable – ideal for small teams of 6 or large groups of 100+ participants.
Thanks to our extensive network of chefs, venues, and professional hosts, we organize the event throughout Italy – in Genoa, Rome, Florence, or directly at your company headquarters abroad.
With our seamless coordination and experienced moderation, we ensure a smooth, inspiring, and flavour-filled experience for every participant.

Important Information

Team work +++
Competition +++
Creativity ++
Nature experience +
Tactical Thinking +
Trust +

Persons

Min 20 – Max 200

Location

Any European destination

Duration

Half or full day

Assistance

Personal assistance by Italiaplus

Optional

Snacks, Lunch, Give-Aways, Branding

Notes

How the Pesto Olympiad Works

1. Welcome & Original Recipe Introduction

Your journey begins with a warm Italian welcome and an introduction to the history and tradition of Pesto Genovese – the legendary “green gold” of Liguria.
Under the guidance of professional chefs or local experts, participants learn what defines an authentic pesto, working with premium ingredients such as fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, roasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Equipped with a mortar, pestle, and a good dose of Italian passion, each team prepares the original Genovese recipe from scratch.

2. The Pesto Challenge – A Creative Team Competition

Now it’s time for some hands-on fun and healthy competition!
In small groups, participants create their own signature pesto variations – each with a personal twist. A jury of professional chefs or local experts evaluates the creations based on flavour, texture, and originality. This lively format encourages communication, collaboration, and creative thinking, all while bringing laughter, excitement, and a true Mediterranean team spirit to the event.

3. Shared Culinary Moment – Trofie al Pesto Genovese

After the challenge, everyone comes together for the best part: enjoying the freshly prepared dishes! Teams share a meal of traditional Trofie al Pesto Genovese, exchange stories, and celebrate their success over fine Italian wine, local music, and authentic ambiance. This communal dining experience is the perfect finale to a day filled with teamwork and taste.

4. Exclusive Add-On: Qualification for the Official Pesto World Championship

The excitement doesn’t stop there! As a special reward, the winning team can qualify for the official Pesto World Championship in Genoa.
The prize includes a two-day stay in Liguria with participation in the international competition, where the world’s best pesto makers meet.
This exclusive option turns the Pesto Olympiad into a motivational and unforgettable highlight for your team.

Schedule your free consultation

Our team will present you with all the options for a team event.

Schedule an appointment here

Why Choose Italiaplus for Your Pesto Olympiad?

With Italiaplus Travel & Events, you partner with an experienced DMC and event agency in Italy specializing in team-building events, incentive trips, and corporate retreats.
We combine culinary passion with local expertise and professional event management – from concept and location scouting to full on-site execution.

Whether you’re a small international team or a large corporation, we tailor your Pesto Olympiad with authenticity, creativity, and attention to detail. You simply enjoy the experience – we take care of everything else.

Conclusion: An Experience that Unites

The Pesto Olympiad is much more than a cooking competition. It’s a sensory, cultural, and team-building experience that brings people together, encourages open communication, and boosts motivation – all while sharing a slice of authentic Italian joy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Pesto Olympiad?
The Pesto Olympiad is a hands-on culinary team-building event in Italy where participants compete to create the best pesto using traditional Ligurian ingredients and methods.

Where does the Pesto Olympiad take place?
It can be organized anywhere in Italy – for example in Genoa, Rome, Florence, or even abroad at your company headquarters.

How many people can participate?
The format is fully scalable and suitable for small teams of six or for large corporate groups with more than 100 participants.

Do you need cooking experience to join?
No experience is required! Professional chefs or local hosts guide each team step by step through the process.

Can the winning team really join the official Pesto World Championship?
Yes – upon request, Italiaplus can include this exclusive option, offering your team a two-day experience in Liguria to take part in the real championship.