Morocco is preparing to participate in the world finals of the Bocuse d’Or, the World Pastry Cup, and the World Caterers Cup, which will be held at the prestigious Salon Sirha in Lyon from January 23 to 27.
Coming from the continental selections of the Official Chefs Tournament (TOC Africa), organized on September 12 and 13, 2024 in Marrakech, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan teams “demonstrate the excellence and innovation of their know-how on the international scene,” underline the organizers of the national participation in a press release.
Three other African countries will also join these competitions, thanks to the selections organized in Marrakech by the Rahal group, engaged since 2003 in the promotion of Moroccan gastronomy throughout the world by supporting in particular the national teams participating in international competitions.
During the Bocuse d’Or final, Moroccan culinary art will be represented by chef Yassine Bogdad, accompanied by his commis Youssef Lamghani and coached by Ahmed Bem Semlali.
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Under the watchful eye of Kamal Rahal Essoulami, member of the jury, president of the Moroccan teams and ambassador of the World Pastry Cup, the Moroccan team will line up from the first day of the competition, in box 3, and will offer culinary creations inspired by the riches of the Moroccan region and international requirements.
The Bocuse d’Or, a true summit of global culinary art, brings together every two years the greatest chefs in the world in a competition that tests their creativity, their technical skills and their ability to sublimate products.
In 2025, 24 countries will participate in this prestigious final after being selected during continental competitions, including the Bocuse d’Or Africa which was held in Marrakech on September 12, 2024.
This decisive stage saw Morocco qualify in first place, alongside Mauritius, thanks to an exceptional performance against talented chefs from across Africa.
Concerning the final of the World Pastry Cup, the Moroccan team will be represented by Rachid Ouakkas as a member of the Jury, Omar Eddib, specialist in sweet creations, Mohamed El Yazidi for chocolate, and Mohamed Lamraoui for frozen works .
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Inspired by the theme “National Heritage”, the Moroccan team promises to create exceptional creations combining tradition and innovation, including frozen desserts, restaurant desserts and artistic pieces in sugar, chocolate and ice cream.
Created in 1989, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie is a world-renowned competition that highlights the best pastry chefs in the world.
For the 2025 edition, 18 countries will participate in the final after having qualified during the continental stages, such as the African Pastry Cup organized in Marrakech on September 13, 2024.
This stage allowed the Moroccan, Egyptian and Mauritian teams to demonstrate their talents and secure their place in the world final.
Regarding the Caterers’ World Cup, the Moroccan team, made up of Mohamed fadil Ouahhabi, Lahoucine Zaoui and Lahcen Idouakrim, will participate on January 23 in this demanding competition, testifying to the Kingdom’s ability to distinguish itself in the art to receive.
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It will present refined buffets, dishes and desserts, which reflect the values of hospitality and conviviality dear to Moroccan culture, according to the same source.
Organized every two years, the Caterers’ World Cup brings together 12 teams from five continents. Each team, made up of chefs and master butcher-caterers, is selected after rigorous qualifications during continental events. This prestigious competition celebrates the art of haute gastronomy for events and highlights criteria of innovation, sustainability and excellence in presentation.
Organized every two years, Sirha Lyon is a major event in the catering, hotel and food sector.
During the previous edition, the show brought together nearly 210,000 professionals from 152 countries, 4,700 exhibitors and brands, spread over 140,000 m² and covering 14 different sectors ranging from furniture to food products.
