Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2023

Get ready to indulge in some of the finest pastries the world has to offer, because the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie (World Cup of Pastry) is happening in just a few weeks time on January 20 and 21, 2023.

Held every two years in Lyon, France during the Sirha World Hospitality & Food Service Event trade show, this international pastry competition brings together some of the most talented pastry chefs from around the globe to showcase their skills and creativity.

Although the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie is an intense 2 day competition which is judged by some of the most prestigious chefs in their fields. It isn't just about the end result. it's also an opportunity for pastry chefs and chocolatiers to push the boundaries of their craft and challenge themselves to create something truly unique and extraordinary.

The Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie has a rich history that dates back to 1989, when it was founded by MOF pâtissier and glacier, Gabriel Paillasson as a way to promote the art of pastry making. Since then, it has grown into one of the most prestigious pastry competitions in the world, attracting top talent from around the globe.

This year's theme is "Climate Change," which will challenge pastry chefs to use their creativity and technical skills to create works of art inspired by sustainability and eco-conscious efforts. In the past we've seen specific ingredients banned based on the events theme. For instance in 2021 they prohibited the use of additives, colorants, glitter, or titanium dioxide. What do you think we can expect in this 2023 special?

The Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie features several individual events, including chocolate, sugar, and ice sculptures as well as multiple plated desserts. In the chocolate and sugar sculpture events, chefs must create a life-size chocolate sculpture and a pure sugar sculpture using only that one specific ingredient as the medium. The ice sculpture event challenges pastry chefs to create a detailed ice sculpture using only a chisel. And in the plated desserts event, pastry chefs must create original, visually stunning desserts that are both delicious and well-crafted while sticking to the event's theme.

Teams from all over the world qualify for the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie by competing in continental and regional competitions and earning top placements. This year's competition will feature teams from countries such as Japan, France, Italy, and the United States.

Speaking of Team USA, this year's team is comprised of Pastry Chefs Jordan Snider, Team Captain Julie Eslinger, and Chocolatier Francois Behuet. Team USA will be led by team coach Andy Chlebana (bottom right) who is a pastry chef, professor, author, consultant and food stylist.

Julie Eslinger (top left) is the team captain for Team USA and a pastry chef at the Country Club at Castle Pines in Colorado. With over 20 years of experience in the pastry industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team and will be creating the Ice sculpture and will be involved in producing plated desserts. 

Jordan Snider (top right) is the executive pastry chef at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina. He has a passion for creating innovative desserts that are both visually stunning and delicious. For this years competition Jordan will be creating all sugar sculptures and pieces for Team USA. 

Francois Behuet (bottom left) is a Chocolatier-Patissier at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles. He has worked at some of the top pastry shops in France and brings a classical French pastry technique to his creations. His focus will be everything chocolate for the 2023 competition. 

With COVID still abundant during the 2021 competition, only 14 out of the traditional 20 countries were able to compete. Italy was able to dominate the competition and take home the title marking their third victory in 12 appearances racking up over 300 points over the second place team, Japan, and 360 over the third place team, France.  

This year we are expecting 18 teams to compete and are excited to see what new and innovative skills and techniques the teams will be bringing to the competition. Although the event is happening live in Lyon, France you can also stream the event by visiting the Sirha Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie website on January 20th. We will, of course, be cheering on team USA who we are lucky enough to sponsor for the 2023 event! Let us know below who you'll be cheering on and who you think will take home the cash prize during the 2023 World Cup of Pastry.