The world’s finest caviars took centre stage at the 2025 World Caviar Awards, held at the Yacht Club of Monaco, where twenty countries competed to crown the best of the best in luxury aquaculture. This year’s competition brought together 80 exceptional caviars across multiple sturgeon species — from Oscietra to Beluga — showcasing the diversity and artistry of caviar production across the globe.
In the “Farms” category, which rewards producers who oversee every stage of production, Switzerland’s Oona Caviar emerged as a major winner, taking top honours in both the Oscietra and Baeri categories. Lofti Luxury Caviar of Iran also impressed, earning victories in Sevruga and Beluga, while California Caviar Company from the United States dominated the Transmontanus category. Canada’s Acadian Sturgeon was celebrated for its Acipenser range, and Caviar de Neuvic from France triumphed in the Hybrid category for its innovative “Caviar Pressé.”
The “Merchants” division, which recognises excellence in refinement and marketing, saw Switzerland’s Luxury Food GmbH claim first place for its Oscietra caviar sourced from Iran, while France’s Grains de Folie and Alexis Lepers were also among the standout winners. Monaco’s own Pakoff earned a place on the podium in the Sevruga category with Iranian-origin caviar, reinforcing the Principality’s growing role in the fine foods sector.
Each entry was evaluated by a prestigious jury led by Christian Garcia, Head Chef at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, who explained the judging process: “We look at the shine and texture of the eggs, their length on the palate, and above all, the taste — the ultimate judge.” Jury member and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Eulalie Rus added, “Ethics and animal welfare are crucial in aquaculture. Knowing the fish was raised in good conditions is a true mark of quality.”
Founder Laurent Morin hailed the event as “a celebration of excellence, ethics, and accessibility,” noting that Monaco’s international prestige made it the perfect home for such a competition. “Our goal is to restore caviar to its rightful place — an exceptional yet understandable product, to be enjoyed in all its diversity,” he said.
Following the event’s success, organisers confirmed that the World Caviar Awards will return to Monaco every two years, with the next edition already set for 2027, cementing the Principality as the global capital of haute gastronomie from the sea.
