The Black Pearl Awards
The World First Chef-Led Independent Caviar Competition
Why The Black Pearl Awards?
The Black Pearl Awards were born from a simple yet powerful idea: that caviar—one of the world’s most celebrated delicacies—deserves to be judged not by markets, brands, or politics, but by the chefs who bring it to life on the plate.
In an era where gastronomy is both global and deeply personal, the Awards stand as the first independent competition dedicated solely to caviar. By placing world-acclaimed GaultMillau- and Michelin-star chefs at the heart of the judging process, the Black Pearl Awards ensure that authenticity, craftsmanship, and flavor are the only true measures of excellence.
Mission
To celebrate the producers whose artistry defines the future of caviar, and to create a trusted benchmark for quality, transparency, and sustainability in haute cuisine.
Vision
To elevate caviar beyond luxury — positioning it as a cultural and culinary icon, championed by chefs and embraced by discerning palates worldwide.
Reputation & Prestige
Caviar is a luxury product strongly associated with exclusivity and refinement. Winning or even being nominated for a quality award strengthen the company’s image as a premium trustworthy brand. Awards serve as an independent endorsement that reassures distributors, restaurants and high-end consumers about product excellence.
Market Differentiation
The caviar market is highly competitive, both with established producers and new entrants. A quality award can set a company apart from competitors by providing tangible proof of superior standards in farming, processing, packaging and sustainability.
Customer Trust & Loyalty
High-net-worth consumers and luxury hospitality clients (e.g. Michelin-star restaurants, five-star hotels) value certifications and recognitions. A quality award acts as a guarantee of consistency, crucial for purchases in the luxury food sector.
International Recognition
Since caviar is traded globally, a prestigious award can open access to new export markets and facilitate partnerships with distributors abroad. It strengthens credibility with international regulators and certification bodies.
Internal Motivation & Improvement
Preparing for a quality award requires reviewing processes, quality control, sustainability practices and consumer satisfaction. This process can reveal areas for improvement and motivate employees, fostering a culture of excellence.
Marketing & Sales Advantage
Awards provide powerful storytelling opportunities in marketing campaigns, social media and packaging. “Award winning caviar” is a simple but impactful message that boosts sales.
Sustainability & Responsibility
For aquaculture-based caviar producers, this is a chance to highlight sustainable sturgeon farming and responsible production methods, which appeal to eco-conscious luxury consumers.
The Black Pearl Awards
Is the first challenge in the caviar business showcasing world acclaimed GaultMillau & Michelin star chefs as a judging committee. The very same people judging caviar are members of that exclusive club that buys, recommends and shape fine dining worldwide for a high-end-net-worthy clientele.
The Venue
Le Grand Bellevue – Gstaad’s Icon of Alpine Elegance
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Le Grand Bellevue is more than a destination, it is a stage worthy of history in the making. Surrounded by 16,000 m² of private parkland and steps away from the Gstaad Promenade, this legendary property embodies refinement and intimacy, blending the grandeur of a palace with the soul of a boutique retreat.
A Setting as Prestigious as the Awards
With its Michelin-starred dining at Leonard’s, the expansive 3,000 m² Le Grand Spa, and an atmosphere of discreet luxury, Le Grand Bellevue represents the pinnacle of Swiss hospitality. Its 57 individually styled rooms and sweeping mountain views offer participants and guests a sense of belonging in a world apart.
Chosen as the home of the inaugural Black Pearl Awards, the hotel provides more than elegance, it provides context. Just as the Awards redefine excellence in caviar, Le Grand Bellevue redefines Alpine luxury. Together, they create an unforgettable encounter where culinary innovation meets timeless tradition.
Participants may also benefit from a limited number of rooms at Le Grand Bellevue, reserved under exclusive conditions. A unique chance to combine competition with an elegant stay in Gstaad.
The Jury
Masters of Culinary Excellence
The Black Pearl Awards are judged by an extraordinary panel of chefs whose talent and vision define the very standards of fine dining. Each member brings a unique voice to the jury, united by a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity in gastronomy.
GaultMillau & Michelin-Starred Chefs on the Jury
From Stefan Beer, Michelin-starred Executive Chef of the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken, to Marco Böhler, the creative force at Basel’s two-star Stucki, the jury embodies the finest of Swiss gastronomy. They are joined by Edgard Bovier, long admired for his Mediterranean flair and GaultMillau acclaim, and Gregor Zimmermann, Executive Chef of the historic Bellevue Palace in Bern. Adding further prestige are Philippe Gobet, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and former Executive Chef at EHL Lausanne, and Marco Ortolani, whose elegant cuisine at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich has earned a Michelin star. Completing the panel are Francesco de Bartolomeis of Le Grand Bellevue in Gstaad, Nicolas Darnauguilhem of La Pinte des Mossettes with his nature-driven cuisine, and the iconic Philippe Chevrier of Domaine de Châteauvieux—together forming a jury whose stars, points, and reputations speak for themselves.
Setting the Standard
Together, this distinguished jury ensures that every decision reflects both rigorous expertise and a deep respect for culinary artistry. Their presence elevates the Black Pearl Awards beyond competition, transforming it into a benchmark for authenticity, craft, and the future of caviar in haute cuisine.
A World First
The only independent chef-led competition dedicated exclusively to caviar.
Culinary Masters Jury
An exceptional panel of internationally acclaimed chefs setting the highest standards.
The Alpine Stage
Hosted at Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad — a symbol of Swiss elegance and refinement.
Excellence Redefined
Celebrating authenticity, craftsmanship, and innovation in haute cuisine.
Sustainability at Heart
Open only to CITES-registered producers, ensuring responsibility and transparency.
Timeline & Key Dates
Registration Opens
Producers are invited to submit their applications to take part in the inaugural Awards.
Registration Closes
Final date for competitors to confirm their participation and eligibility.
The Competition
Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad becomes the stage for the world’s first independent caviar competition.
For Participants
An Invitation to the World’s Finest Caviar Producers
The Black Pearl Awards welcome caviar producers to compete on a truly independent, chef‑led stage. Judged by a world acclaimed GaultMillau & Michelin star chefs, the competition celebrates authenticity, craftsmanship, and innovation—recognizing producers who elevate caviar with integrity and exceptional taste.
Promote your results
Make your award part of your brand’s marketing strategy. Winning The Black Pearl Award is just the first step. Next, you will want to shout it from the rooftops to promote it to your customers.
After the Awards
Toolkit
You receive free marketing toolkit, including tasting notes, digital artwork and official certificate.
Winners are published
Winners are highlighted on The Black Pearl Awards website.
Global Awareness
Email newsletters promoting top producers to a global audience.
Detailed insights
Offer bespoke reports.
Marketing resources for award-winning producers
Digital Artwork
Add The Black Pearl Award medal to all your marketing collateral (social media posts, websites, emails, adverts, etc.) to show both trade and consumers that your caviar is one of the best in the world. You can download standard resolution medal artwork for free or purchase high-res versions online
Stickers
Our medal sticker stand out and can influence customers’ buying decisions. Caviars awarded a gold or silver have the option to use our stickers (sold in rolls)
Certificates
We will send all medal holders their official certificate, if requested at the time of entering, but you can also download them from our website for free