Benoît Castel crowned as world’s best pastry chef
Benoît Castel has been named as the world’s best pastry che f.
The announcement came after the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners (UIBC) named Benoît World Confectioner of the Year in July.
Benoît is at the helm of a number of patisseries across Paris, and told France 24 he is now on a mission: to be the world champion every day in his shop for his customers.
“Our work is no trivial matter. Every day we make things that people put into their bodies,” he said.
Benoît, who hails from Brittany, in western France, has made a name for himself through his creations, which include a chocolate choux pastry so beloved he quips there would be riots if they ever stopped making it.
Each of his creations is decorated with a small, scalloped shortbread biscuit in a nod to his home region, while fruit and vegetables from his own gardens and orchards in Brittany are delivered to the patisseries.
“These days I’m as much a cook, a gardener and a baker as I am a pastry chef,” he said.
“But above all else I’m a pastry chef.”
Benoît received the recognition at the UIBC Gala Dinner held in Singapore, alongside João Carlos Butske da Silva from Brazil, who was named UIBC World Baker of the Year. When acknowledging the win on social media, UIBC wrote,” we had the honour of celebrating two outstanding professionals for their exceptional contribution to the baking and confectionery industry.”
“Congratulations once again to João Carlos Butske da Silva (Brazil), UIBC World Baker of the Year 2026, and Benoît Castel (France), UIBC World Confectioner of the Year 2026.