JURY 2026

Meat sommeliers, chefs, industry experts, and producers will assess
the quality of the cuts according to their tenderness, juiciness, and aroma.

AMBASSADORS

Leandro Gentini

The first international meat sommelier, Wagyu expert, founder of IMEATSA, and a leading figure in the global meat industry.

Benjamín Cinque

Agricultural professional with international experience in livestock management, cattle genetics, and business development. Extensive background in corporate leadership, livestock auctions, digital cattle marketplaces, and large-scale exhibition management, integrating commercial leadership, technological innovation, and a strategic outlook on the agri-food industry.

Juan Ignacio Barcos

Livestock producer, meat sommelier, and chef at Madre Rojas restaurant, where he personally selects each cut sourced from producers who prioritize animal welfare and biodiversity conservation.

Christian Petersen

Chef and culinary entrepreneur. Director of Los Petersen Cocineros and a prominent media figure in the culinary world.

André de Salles Pinaud Madruga

Meat sommelier and certified organic livestock producer, recognized as a leading authority in meat quality in Brazil, and a judge and ambassador at events such as Expo Churrasco and Paleta Atlântida.

Nicolás Borenstein

Audiovisual producer and food entrepreneur, meat sommelier, and creator of Asado de Tira in Marbella, Spain.

Carlos Ojea Rullan

Breeder, international judge, and livestock advisor, widely recognized as a leading authority in cattle genetics in Argentina and worldwide. Founder of Ojea Rullán y Cía. and La Juanita (Buenos Aires), he advises leading agribusiness companies across South America, driving productive excellence and beef breed improvement across hundreds of thousands of animals.

Dionisio Devora Moreno

Meat industry entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience, founder and director of slaughterhouses and livestock companies leading the premium beef market in Spain, specializing in ox, Angus, and Wagyu.

Juan Gaffuri

Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, responsible for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Luciano Matías Luchetti

Chef and creator of Locos x el Asado, a leading figure in the grilling scene in Latin America. Owner of Fuegos (Buenos Aires) and Locos x el Asado Lima (Peru), he has traveled across the region bringing the culture of fire and meat to millions of followers.

Bernard Vallat

Veterinarian and economist, Honorary Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and a globally recognized authority in animal health, nutrition, and veterinary policy. He led the organization for 15 years, driving the development of international standards for animal disease control and for the safety of production and global trade in animal products.

MEAT SOMMELIERS

Natalia Mariela Barrionuevo

President of the Argentine Association of Meat Sommeliers and international judge at meat competitions across Latin America. Food critic.

Martin De Las Carreras

Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness and meat sommelier, specializing in foreign trade and meat quality, currently leading exports at TF Carnes.

Lucio Fernandez

Professional with over 40 years of experience in livestock production, specializing in meat quality and sensory analysis. Meat sommelier (UBA) with expertise in Angus, Shorthorn, and Limousin breeds, focused on innovation, animal welfare, and the promotion of premium meats.

Federico Giomi

Business Operations Associate. Manager at Accenture Argentina. Specialist in operational management, program delivery, and executive reporting.

Claudia Muhn

Meat Sommelier.

Alejandro Santarcieri

“Meat sommelier and supervisor in the meat processing industry, with training in sensory analysis of foods and experience in meat distribution and production.

Miguel Boyadjidis

Meat sommelier with a strong background in international trade and the development of institutional relationships within the meat sector.

Ariel Del Savio

“Gastronomic entrepreneur with extensive experience as founder and CEO of innovative ventures in the industry: Complejo Lippee (contemporary cuisine restaurant), Pizza Hoss (artisan pizzeria featuring sourdough and a wood-fired oven), and Piccola Venni Helados y Café (ice cream shop and café focused on natural, handcrafted production). Specialist in creating culinary concepts with a strong identity, a focus on high-quality ingredients, and unique gastronomic experiences.

Julio Horacio Ferreiro

Meat Sommelier.

Vivian Ethel Islas

Wine, beverages, and meat Sommelier. Currently gives classes, talks, and participates in gastronomic events.

Pablo Rochaix

Chef and master ice cream maker, meat and cheese sommelier, tasting judge, and expert in dulce de leche and chocolate.

Tomás Leandro Turnes

Meat sommelier and chef. Currently works in catering for private events and serves as a judge in grilling competitions.

Juan Alberto Maximiliano Britez

Argentinian grill master and cook with over 20 years of experience in the gastronomic industry, specialized in grill management and traditional cuisine. Certified Meat Sommelier (ICOCA). Responsible, dedicated, and team-oriented, currently working as Head Grill Chef at Chapaleo Parrilla – Restaurant, always focused on professional growth and exceeding expectations.

Miguel Ernesto Díaz Colodrero Rapshy

Chef and Meat Sommelier.

Agustin Focaia

Meat industry professional and meat sommelier, manager of Almacén Don Chicho and member of Comercializadora Morres, with comprehensive experience across the entire value chain.

Ronaldo Keegan

Professional chef and meat sommelier with over 8 years of experience in gastronomy, specializing in beef.

Guillermo Rodriguez

Chef at Hotel Robinson Jandía Playa (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands). Former Production Manager at a catering company in Argentina. Meat Sommelier.

Jose Armando Walter

Meat sommelier and entrepreneur, managing partner of Reflectar SRL and Estancia La Fina, with extensive experience in team management, process improvement, and innovation in the meat and agribusiness sectors.

Juan Jose Cotua

Agro-industrial engineer and meat sommelier with extensive experience in managing agro-industrial projects across Latin America, and a strong background in production, consulting, and commercialization within the meat sector.

Patricio Esain

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, cook, and meat sommelier; currently leading a homemade cuisine venture.

Julio Gagliano

Meat sommelier and industry leader with over 50 years of experience, founder of Viejo Patrón and a pioneer in promoting beef cuts and sensory curation in Argentina.

Cesar Fabian Leguiza

Gastronomy professional currently training as a meat sommelier, with experience in buffalo meat, catering, and hospitality services in Argentina’s Northeast region.

Juan Cruz Romero

Meat Sommelier.

Carlos Norberto Weis

Meat sommelier with over 20 years of experience, currently leading a premium milanesa production plant with a focus on quality and efficient production.

Your palate can make history too.

Sign up as a consumer judge at the World Meat Championship and be part of a one-of-a-kind experience: tasting and evaluating some of the world’s finest cuts alongside experts and fellow meat enthusiasts.