Expertly coached by Chef Instructor Bardet, the team representing France has secured first place in the 12th edition of the Bakery World Cup, which was held in Paris at the Europain trade fair from 21st to 24th January. Having spent the past sixteen years unsuccessfully chasing the title, France can now proudly say it is Bakery World Champion once more.


Boulangerie Chef Instructor Grégoire Bardet, who arrived at Le Cordon Bleu Paris in 2023, is certainly no stranger to the competitive baking scene. In 2004, he was a finalist in France’s Best Young Bakers competition; in 2021, he took part in the French Bakery Cup; and in 2022 he represented his country in the Bakery World Cup. In 2023, he added another string to his bow by reaching the final of the Best Baker in France (Meilleur Ouvrier de France - MOF) competition.

Over the course of the two-day contest, 10 teams of 3 bakers specialising in Bread, Viennoiseries and the creation of an Artistic Piece went head-to-head in four different rounds: “Baguettes and Bread of the World”, “Viennoiseries”, “Snacking” and “Artistic Piece”, showcasing their technical expertise as well as their artistic prowess. The three members of the French team, Franck Fortier, Fabien Nolay and Xavier Sacriste, demonstrated outstanding creativity and meticulous attention to detail to secure the top spot on the podium.

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Following months of intensive training, this is the team’s hard-earned reward and the culmination of an amazing human adventure that places teamwork centre stage. We can be immensely proud of our outstanding French team for shining a light on a profession that deserves global recognition. Here’s hoping that the Bakery World Cup has a good many years ahead of it, as it gives everyone the opportunity to truly celebrate bread.

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Le Cordon Bleu Paris would like to congratulate all the members of the French team, and in particular Grégoire Bardet in his role as coach. It is an immensely proud moment for the Institute, which each year provides culinary arts and management training to over 20,000 students worldwide. The French team’s victory is a testament to our Chef Instructors’ French culinary excellence and expertise and their outstanding ability to transmit their passion to students each and every day.


Photo credit: Thierry Caron