In an industry where precision, artistry, and collaboration define excellence, long-standing partnerships often form the backbone of culinary achievement. One such alliance was recently reaffirmed when AUI Fine Foods, a pillar of the specialty foodservice industry, renewed its commitment as a Gold Partner of Club Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie Team USA. The announcement marks a powerful continuation of a relationship rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a steadfast dedication to elevating the craft of pastry.

AUI

This renewed partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for Team USA, as it intensifies preparations for the U.S. National Selection this September in Chicago and sets its sights on the 2027 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in Lyon, France—the world’s premier pastry competition.

“We are thrilled to welcome AUI back into the fold,” said Chef Stéphane Chéramy, president of Club Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie Team USA. “They’ve been an invaluable partner to us in the past—providing everything from logistical support to thoughtful product solutions. Their team understands exactly what it takes to compete on the world stage. This partnership is not only meaningful but essential.”

Founded more than 45 years ago, AUI Fine Foods has grown from a humble one-man operation into a national distributor with over 150 team members. Its reach extends across the United States, and its portfolio includes a diverse range of high-end, global products—both classic and cutting-edge—specifically tailored to the needs of pastry professionals. But AUI’s impact transcends the contents of its catalog.

Central to its mission is a deep investment in the culinary community, led by a corporate team of R&D chefs and culinary-savvy sales professionals. Many of these team members are chefs themselves, lending AUI a uniquely empathetic and strategic edge in the field.

“We are honored to once again support Pastry Team USA,” said Tina Paolantonio, president of AUI Fine Foods. “This partnership is about more than just sponsorship—it’s about investing in the future of the pastry profession. At AUI, we are deeply committed to empowering chefs, elevating craftsmanship, and advancing innovation in our industry. We’re proud to stand behind the team and their incredible journey.”

It is a journey that has garnered international respect and a growing domestic audience. Club Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie Team USA plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing the nation’s top pastry chefs, supporting them as they train for one of the most prestigious culinary stages in the world. Held biennially in Lyon, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie brings together more than 50 countries to compete in an event that fuses artistic expression, scientific precision, and global culinary vision.

As the 2027 competition looms on the horizon, every detail matters—from the design and execution of sugar and chocolate showpieces to the logistics of ingredient sourcing and kitchen functionality. This is where AUI’s partnership becomes particularly critical. The company provides not only premium products but also the kind of logistical intelligence and support infrastructure that allows chefs to focus solely on creation and execution.

For both organizations, the collaboration underscores a shared vision: to advance American pastry by empowering those who lead it. Through mentorship, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the partnership continues to evolve and deepen with each competition cycle.

“Our shared commitment to excellence makes this partnership feel organic,” added Chéramy. “They’re not just a sponsor—they’re part of our team.”

AUI logo

For its part, AUI sees the alliance as an opportunity to give back to the profession that fuels its business. The support is tangible—products, technical assistance, and on-the-ground coordination—but also symbolic. It signals a vote of confidence in Team USA’s potential and a recognition of the critical role that community plays in individual success.

This spirit of mutual support and elevation echoes the broader evolution of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie itself. Organized by Sirha Food, part of the GL events group, the competition has in recent years embraced a wider global identity, emphasizing sustainability, natural flavors, and teamwork. It’s a reflection of where the pastry world is heading: toward bold new expressions grounded in precision, integrity, and passion.

In that spirit, Team USA continues to prepare, driven by the knowledge that the road to Lyon is not traveled alone. With AUI Fine Foods at our side once more, the chefs representing the United States can rely on a partner who understands both the artistry and the rigor of the task at hand.

For more information on supporting Club Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie Team USA or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Chef Joseph DiPaolo at [email protected].

To learn more about AUI Fine Foods and its offerings, visit www.auifinefoods.com.

ABOUT CLUB COUPE DU MONDE DE LA PÂTISSERIE TEAM USA

Founded in 1988 by former White House pastry chef, the late Roland Mesnier, Club Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie Team USA is committed to inspiring excellence, creativity, innovation, pride, competitiveness, fraternity and emotion in pastry professionals.

Club Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie Team USA is also dedicated to promoting the sharing, the exploration, the vision and the advancement of both the artistic and scientific realms of the Pastry Arts.

The Club seeks, recognizes and supports America’s best pastry chefs to represent the United States in the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in Lyon, France.

With 50 participating countries, this biannual event is the most prestigious pastry competition in the world.

Club Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie Team USA welcomes pastry chefs at all levels in their careers – from culinary students to seasoned professionals, as well as amateur bakers and pastry aficionados. 

We encourage those eager to take part to innovate in pastry preparation, explore unique taste combinations and showcase creative presentation styles.

Our mission is to bring continuous innovation to the pastry profession, while maintaining a deep respect for its rich history. Through this approach, we aim to consistently propel the field forward by tapping into the talents of our participants. We aim to build an impressive team ready to compete at the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie.

(SIRHA) PASTRY WORLD CUP (COUPE DU MONDE DE LA PÂTISSERIE): PASTRY REVOLUTION

Founded in 1989, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie is an international competition representing different trades in the pastry industry including pastry chefs, ice cream specialists, chocolatiers, and confectioners. 

Pastry is emerging in the contemporary world. The desserts are now combining their sensitivity to technicality, to the new architectural and sensory expressions. Nothing stops the sweet creators of the 21st century. And since the world is moving on, the Pastry World Cup is changing dimension, with a completely rethought universal identity. Product sourcing, natural tastes, precise gestures, team spirit are combined for an intense and visionary baking experience.

Pastry World Cup is organized by the global brand Sirha Food®, part of the GL events group.

For more information: www.cmpatisserie.com/en

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