Benahavís hosts the Andalusian semifinal of the MGA Gastronomic Awards 2026

The MGA Gastronomic Awards successfully held their first semifinal of the second edition today at the Benahavís School of Hospitality, within the new regional format that this year gathers talent from various parts of Andalusia. During the event, the selected participants competed in the cooking and service categories, facing various practical tests before a professional jury in an environment marked by concentration, effort, and the high level demonstrated by the candidates. The semifinal also featured a prestigious jury within the gastronomic sector, including notable figures such as Pia Ninci, dining room director at Messina restaurant (1 Michelin Star); Pep Moreno, Michelin Star chef at Deliranto restaurant (Salou); and Adolfo Jaime, one of the most recognized and respected chefs from Málaga, considered a master of Malaga cuisine. The event also had the presence of Scott Marshall, representative of the Benahavís City Council, who delivered a speech of thanks at the end of the day, acknowledging the work of the organization, the involvement of the participating schools, and the effort of all the students who took part in this semifinal. With this second edition, the awards consolidate their growth beyond the province of Málaga, expanding their reach throughout Andalusia and reinforcing their commitment to training, dignifying hospitality, and gastronomy as a real tool for employment access. The names of the participants who will advance to the grand final will be announced once the semifinal scheduled tomorrow in Granada concludes. The final of the MGA Gastronomic Awards will take place on the 27th and 28th of May at El Balneario (Málaga). Category: Cooking Category: Service The organization especially wanted to thank the support of entities and sponsors that make this second edition possible, with special mention to the Ministry of Tourism and Andalusia Exterior of the Junta de Andalucía, Málaga City Council, Costa del Sol Tourism, and Benahavís City Council, as institutional promoters of the project. Additionally, the awards have the collaboration of companies committed to gastronomy and training such as Grupo Rull, BRA, Bayo, CSTY, Novell, El Balneario, Royal Bliss, Cervezas Victoria, Copyrap, Frutas Acosta, and Xeitomar Marisquería, among other collaborating firms.