Pastry World Cup founder dies aged 78
Coupe du Monde Pâtisserie has announced the death of Gabriel Paillasson, the founder of the Pastry World Cup.
Gabriel Paillasson was one of the most influential French chefs of the past century, recognised globally for his dual mastery of pâtisserie and cuisine and for founding two of the world’s most prestigious culinary competitions.
Born in 1947 in Lyon, Gabriel trained initially as a pastry chef before expanding his craft into the kitchen. His rare distinction of excelling at both disciplines led him to hold major positions in hotels, luxury restaurants, and the wider Meilleur Ouvrier de France community.
Tributes
A post on social media from CM Patisserie read: "It is with deep sadness that we learn of the disappearance of Gabriel Paillasson, a major figure in the world pastry industry.
"Founder in 1989 of the Pastry World Cup, he created much more than a contest: a landmark event, unique in the world, that has become the international stage of excellence to celebrate the creativity, rigor and talent of pastry chefs, chocolatiers and ice makers from around the world. Thanks to its vision and demand, the Pastry World Cup today embodies the highest level of pastry professions.
"Gabriel Paillasson also accompanied the birth of the first Sirha, then "Salon des Métiers de Bouche" in 1983, and greatly contributed to making it one of the major global appointments of restaurant, hotel and food that we know today.
"Exceptional chef, double Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF Pastry 1972, MOF Glacier 1976 - titles obtained before his
29th birthday), he opens his pastry shop in Saint-Fons in 1973 and forges a career with nearly 300 distinctions, including 60 gold medals. A rare trajectory, driven by passion, commitment and an unwavering will to deliver.
"GL events Sirha Food teams and the International Pastry World Cup Organizing Committee pay tribute to a man whose vision continues to inspire every edition, team and every young talent of this competition.
"We send our deepest thoughts to his family, his relatives and the entire community he helped to unite."
Martin Chiffers also shared his condolences on social media.
He wrote: "Today we say goodbye to Gabriel Paillasson, the man who shaped the world of pastry more than anyone else of our time.
"Founder of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in 1989, double MOF, visionary, mentor, and the driving force behind the standards we all follow today. Everything he created, everything he built, changed our profession forever.
"I had the honour over the years to sit beside him, judge with him, and share moments I will always carry with me. His passion, his discipline, and his relentless pursuit of excellence inspired generations of chefs around the world.
"What he gave to pastry will never be forgotten. His legacy lives in every World Pastry Cup stage, every team he inspired, and every chef he pushed to go further.
"Thank you, Chef Paillasson. A true legend has left us, but your vision will continue to guide us for decades to come. My deepest condolences to his family."
The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.
We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.
A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.
Support Us
CONTRIBUTE
Pastry World Cup founder dies aged 78
