Respected by Gaggenau

We made a commitment back in 2019 to search for and celebrate artisans, producers and makers who were quietly striving to create excellence in their field. Our goal was to seek out these unsung heroes in order to tell their stories, highlight their achievements, and introduce them to our global network of discerning owners. In total over 60 nominees made the longlist. They were shortlisted to 15 and now we are proud to reveal the final three Respected by Gaggenau 2021 recipients.

Culinary: Salumi Bettella

Exceptional cured pork, created by local artisans, from naturally reared animals, raised in harmony with the environment.

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Viniculture: Elías López Montero

Transforming a region’s viniculture reputation by growing traditional grapes and using unique methods to produce superlative wine in La Mancha.

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Design: Apparatu

A ceramic design studio defying convention and categorisation. Melding artisanal craft and industrial design to create both art and products.

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Every single nominee in the longlist deserves our respect – and they have it

“The Respected by Gaggenau 2021 search has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. We’ve taken time to observe and understand the lengths that these talented artisans go to in order to create the most exceptional products and produce. Respected by Gaggenau doesn’t mean we see ourselves as an awarding body that sits above these talented individuals and businesses, it means we are proud and honoured for them to sit alongside our appliances, and encourage our owners to seek them out, read their stories and purchase their products.” Peter Goetz, Managing Director, Gaggenau.

The global curator board

The local curators

The Shortlist

The Global Curator Board

The judging process was complex, taxing and involved. We started with dozens on the longlist, chosen by 27 highly experienced Curators from 8 European countries, each entrant worthy in their own right. We discussed and debated, argued and orated, praised, admired and, eventually, agreed. It may not have been easy. But it was a fascinating, even enlightening experience.

Peter Goetz

Managing Director, Gaggenau

Peter Goetz, Managing Director of Gaggenau, has vast experience of working and living in a variety of different cultures. Throughout his time leading multinational organisations, he has appreciated the extraordinary and inspiring in large- and small-scale manufacturing, cuisine and viniculture.

“As a brand, we manufacture kitchen appliances synonymous with exclusive culinary culture and a sophisticated lifestyle. The aesthetic of the product is paramount too. So the three categories – Culinary, Viniculture, and Design – are a trio at the very heart of Gaggenau’s essence.”

Sarah Abbott MW

Founder, Swirl Wine Group

Sarah Abbott is a Master of Wine (one of only 409) with an international profile. A global wine judge, speaker and writer as well as the founder of strategic wine consultancy, Swirl Wine Group. Sarah co-chairs the International Wine Challenge; the world’s largest wine competition and judges the Gaggenau International Sommelier Awards.

“Respected by Gaggenau looks deeper than a particular field or specific product. It honours that passionate but humble impulse of skilled dedication. Reading the nominations was like browsing some weird but wonderful global concept store – I wanted to eat, cook with, drink, chop or visit everything in it.”

Sven Baacke

Head of Design, Global Brand Gaggenau

A graduate of the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design, Sven Baacke joined the Gaggenau design team in 2003, rising to become Head of Design, leading a visionary team. As the leading creative force at Gaggenau, Sven focuses on incorporating simplicity and minimalism into his work to achieve unique, quality designs with soul.

“The selection process was so interesting because it was so diverse. These were not huge companies, and each had a purpose behind what they do. We really felt that, regardless of whether they were designers, or winemakers or farmers, they shared the commonality that everything they did came from the heart.”

Tom Parker Bowles

Food Editor and Critic

Tom Parker Bowles is an internationally renowned journalist and food critic. He is the author of multiple cookbooks, winner of the Guild of Food Writers award, Restaurant Critic for The Mail on Sunday, Food Editor of Esquire, Contributing Editor for Conde Nast Traveller and cooking columnist for Country Life.

”It was treated as an intellectual exercise, an appreciation of philosophy, sustainability and aesthetics. For once, in my Culinary category, taste was just one part of the bigger picture.”

The curators

We have assembled a team of global curators, each of which are experts in the areas of culinary, viniculture and design. They are partners we respect highly, from chefs and sommeliers to authors and designers. They will use their industry expertise to collaborate with us and compile a list of exceptional craftspeople within these areas; three of whom will be selected as holders of the inaugural Respected by Gaggenau accolade.