World Caviar Awards 2025: When Monaco Becomes the Capital of Taste
Under the lights of the Yacht Club de Monaco, the world’s most discerning palates gathered on November 6, 2025, to celebrate the rarefied art of caviar. The World Caviar Awards, founded by Laurent Morin, returned to the Principality for a spectacular edition that united the planet’s top producers, Michelin-starred chefs, and gastronomic connoisseurs for one unforgettable evening.
The Tasting
Behind closed doors, under the strictest tasting conditions, twenty countries competed for the coveted title of the world’s best caviar. Each sample was judged anonymously by a panel of experts — chefs, sommeliers, gastronomic critics and the company founders — using the “royal method,” ensuring absolute purity of evaluation.
“First and foremost, we look at the appearance and shine of the caviar eggs, followed by texture and length on the palate,” explained Christian Garcia, Chef to H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco and jury member. “But in the end, taste is the only true verdict.”
Pierre Frolla, world record-holding freediver, and member of the official jury of the World Caviar Awards 2025 added: “For me, the most important aspects were the taste, size, and texture of the caviar. Today, we discovered some of the world’s finest selections — it was a wonderful opportunity for guests to experience them before making their choice.”
The Evening
In the cocktail area, overlooking Port Hercule, the air was rich with anticipation and the faint saltiness of the sea — a fitting prelude to a night dedicated to the ocean’s most exquisite treasure. The atmosphere was both elegant and lively — Monaco at its finest. Guests enjoyed a caviar bar, an oyster station, organic olive oils from Domaine de Léos, champagne bar and live music .
As the evening unfolded, 220 privileged guests were seated for a seven-course dinner crafted entirely around caviar. Each plate was a testament to culinary artistry — from Eulalie Rus’s Ostra Régal oysters with Pakoff caviar to Michel Roth’s confit beef cheek topped with Lotfi Luxury Iranian caviar. Even dessert, a pavlova with Sevruga caviar by Claire Verneil, was a revelation, pairing sweetness and salinity in a way that only Monaco could imagine.
For Laurent Morin, the event’s visionary founder, the mission goes beyond luxury. “With the World Caviar Awards, we aim to restore caviar to its rightful place — as an exceptional yet accessible product, provided one understands its codes and subtleties,” he shared with quiet pride. “It’s about education, ethics, and appreciation.”
That ethical dimension was echoed by Eulalie Rus, a Best Craftsman of France and jury member: “Knowing that the sturgeon lived well, that the farm respected nature — that’s part of what makes great caviar. True luxury is responsible.”
The Results
This year’s World Caviar Awards brought together participants from different countries — from France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Poland to Iran, the United States, Canada, Ukraine, China, and beyond.
In the Farms Category, the spotlight shone on Oona Caviar (Switzerland), which achieved remarkable success with first-place wins in both the Osciétre and Baeri categories. LOTFI Luxury Caviar (Iran) confirmed its reputation for refinement, earning top distinctions in Baeri, Beluga and Sevruga. Acadian Sturgeon (Canada) stood out in Acipenser, while Odessa Caviar (Ukraine) took the lead in Sterlet, underscoring the growing strength of Eastern European aquaculture. Caviar de Neuvic (France) triumphed in the Hybrid category with its innovative Caviar Pressé.
The Merchants Category further reflected global collaboration and excellence. Luxury Food GmbH (Switzerland) impressed the jury with its Iranian-origin Osciétre and hybrid caviars, while Caviar de Neuvic (France) continued its ascent with victories in Naccari, Sevruga, and Beluga (origin: Bulgaria). Pakoff (Monaco) proudly represented the Principality with its award-winning Sterlet and Sevruga, both sourced from Iran.
Among the other standouts were Classic-Caspian-Caviar (Germany), Grains de Folie (France), and Lianozoff Caviar (Dubai).
Erwann Guegan, Co-founder & CEO of Monte-Carlo Lifestyle, and member of the official jury of the World Caviar Awards 2025, shared his impressions: “It was an exceptional and credible event — the presence of top chefs and the vibrant atmosphere made it truly special. Monaco is the ultimate destination for luxury, and hosting this event every two years is essential to maintain that spirit.”
The World Caviar Awards will now return to Monaco every two years, a tradition that promises to keep the Principality at the forefront of the global gastronomic scene.