When many people stayed at home, the pizza community organised solidarity pizza contests: bake at home, share the results and encourage others. Two initiatives stood out – AVPN’s #VeraPizzaContest and Forni Valoriani’s #StayHomeFireUp. This look back keeps the idea alive and offers practical tips for contributing your own entries.
#VeraPizzaContest of AVPN
The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) invited all pizza makers, professional and home alike, to share a photo or video of their personal pizza on Facebook during the coronavirus period. According to the announcement at the time, the campaign ran from 20 March to 20 April; entries had to be prepared in an electric pizza oven. The plan was to award the 20 best pizzas, with winners announced on 24 April; the first prize was scheduled to be a professional pizza course.
Note: If you are looking for similar contests today, check AVPN’s current channels. Events are usually time-limited and may change in format and entry requirements.
#StayHomeFireUp by Forni Valoriani
Forni Valoriani also called for solidarity: under the hashtag #StayHomeFireUp, Valoriani oven owners worldwide were asked to share photos of their bakes and tag @fornivaloriani. The aim was to boost morale, provide inspiration and make the joy of baking together tangible even at a distance.
Tips for strong photos from your own oven
Preparation and timing
- Tidy your work surface, prepare ingredients and have your camera or smartphone to hand.
- Keep an eye on baking time: photograph shortly after baking while the pizza is still glossy and the rim has risen nicely.
Light and composition
- Use daylight and avoid harsh direct shadows.
- Vary angles: an overhead shot for the whole pizza and a side crop for the rim (cornicione).
- Show details: a cut to reveal the crumb, melted cheese and the juiciness of the tomato.
Information in the caption
- Specify oven type (e.g. electric), and give temperature and baking time.
- Note dough details (flour type, hydration, proofing time), if available.
- Use hashtags correctly (e.g. #VeraPizzaContest, #StayHomeFireUp) and tag the organiser’s official page where appropriate.
Oven and setup
- A precisely controllable electric pizza oven makes reproducible results easier. If you are considering a purchase or upgrade, we can advise on solutions for home kitchens and the hospitality industry.
- Handle hot equipment with care and observe safety clearances.
Conclusion
The participatory campaigns by AVPN and Forni Valoriani demonstrated how vibrant the pizza community is, even when people cannot meet in person. Sharing images today continues that spirit and inspires others to fire up their oven and enjoy baking together.