Pastry Team USA: On the Road to the 2027 Pastry World Cup
Every two years, the world’s most talented pastry chefs gather in Lyon, France, during SIRHA Lyon for the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, widely regarded as the most prestigious competition in the pastry world.
Founded in 1989 by legendary chef Gabriel Paillasson, and co-founded by Valrhona, the Pastry World Cup was created to elevate pastry to its highest artistic expression. What began as an ambitious idea has become a global event bringing together more than 50 countries, where chefs compete through extraordinary creations that combine technical mastery, creativity, and storytelling.
More than a competition, it is a celebration of craftsmanship and a powerful platform that helps shape the future of the pastry profession worldwide.
The Road to Lyon Begins in the United States
The journey to the 2027 Grand Final in Lyon begins with national selections held around the world.
In the United States, the process started on September 6, 2025, in Chicago, where top pastry chefs competed during the Pastry Team USA National Selection. During an intense eight-hour competition, candidates were evaluated on creativity, technique, flavor, presentation, organization, sustainability practices, and overall execution.
At the end of the selection, a panel of renowned pastry chefs chose three specialists — chocolate, sugar, and ice/tasting — along with an alternate chef, who now form Pastry Team USA.
Their next major milestone will take place on July 25, 2026, in New Orleans, where the team will compete in the Pastry World Cup Americas Selection. Only four teams from across the Americas will earn a place at the Grand Final in Lyon in January 2027.
Discover the portaits of Pastry Team USA Winners of the USA Selection
A Strong U.S. Presence on the Global Stage
Over the years, Pastry Team USA has established itself as one of the leading teams in the competition, ranking fifth in the world for total medals and standing among the eight nations to have won gold.
Beyond the competition itself, the team plays an important role in advancing the pastry profession across the country — inspiring students, supporting education, and fostering a vibrant network of chefs, mentors, and industry partners.
Valrhona and the Pastry World Cup
Since the very beginning, Valrhona has played a central role in the Pastry World Cup as a co-founder and longstanding partner of the competition.
Through this partnership, Valrhona continues to support the chefs who push the boundaries of pastry, celebrating the values that define the competition: excellence, creativity, innovation, responsibility, and transmission.
As the road to Lyon unfolds, we are proud to support and spotlight Pastry Team USA as they prepare to represent the United States on the world stage.
Stay tuned as we introduce each member of the team and follow their journey toward the 2027 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie.
