Le Cordon Bleu Confectionery School, by Le Cordon Bleu, and published in UK by Grub Street Publishing, was named Best Cooking School Book in the World during this year’s Gourmand Awards.

The announcement was made at the Saudi Feast Food Festival, Riyadh, by Edouard Cointreau of the Gourmand Awards, who praised the work for its depth and cultural significance: 'Sincere congratulations to Le Cordon Bleu on this definitive reference on the art of confectionery that only the world’s most prestigious cooking school could create. Admired across the globe, Le Cordon Bleu once again sets the standard of precision, mastery and beauty with recipes that unveil the secrets of confectioners and chocolate makers. Congratulations as well to Grub Street Publishing, whose four decades of commitment to independence continue to prove that true excellence flourishes in the hands of visionary, “sur-mesure” publishers and proudly claim their place among the very best in the world.'

Founded in 1995, and with participation from over 200 countries, the Gourmand Awards are the only international competition dedicated to publications on food and drinks cultures. The competition is free and open to all languages. Each year, Gourmand organizes a global symposium in a location of notable gastronomic relevance, bringing together leading voices from the diplomacy, culinary, publishing, and cultural sectors.

This year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia guests from 96 countries came for the Awards ceremonies. Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for Food culture.

The next world gathering of food culture professionals will take place in Paris, during the Village International de la Gastronomie, in September 2026, where all the Gourmand Awards Winners will be honoured.