Club Coupe du Monde Team USA, the esteemed team representing American culinary arts on the global stage, has announced an exciting new partnership with Gourmet Foods International (GFI). GFI has joined as a platinum-level partner on Team USA’s journey to the 2027 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in Lyon, France. Together, the organizations aim to advance the pursuit of excellence in pastry preparation, innovation, and international culinary competition.
Founded 57 years ago by Russ McCall as a small specialty foods shop, GFI has grown into a leading distributor with 13 distribution centers across the U.S. Today, GFI connects thousands of producers and products from around the world to customers with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation. The company remains dedicated to its mission of bringing specialty food solutions to diverse consumers while championing environmental responsibility through eco-friendly packaging, waste diversion, and clean energy efforts.
“At GFI, we are inspired by Club Coupe du Monde Team USA’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of pastry innovation,” stated Brian Scott, President at Gourmet Foods International. “Their dedication to representing American excellence in culinary competitions aligns perfectly with our mission to bring the highest-quality ingredients to chefs across the country. We’re thrilled to support these talented individuals as they prepare for the global stage.”
Team USA, known for its rigorous selection process and groundbreaking contributions to the world of pastry, competes biennially at the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in Lyon, France. This competition, produced by GL Events, is widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious for pastry arts, bringing together the best talents from around the world. The team comprises chefs, pastry artisans, and industry leaders who bring a dynamic mix of technical expertise, artistic vision, and dedication to their craft.
Chef Stéphane Chéramy, President of Club Coupe du Monde Team USA, shared his perspective on the partnership, saying, “GFI’s support is a tremendous asset to Team USA. Their extensive selection of premium ingredients offers our chefs a wealth of inspiration and resources that will empower them to craft extraordinary, innovative creations. This partnership allows us to continue raising the bar in culinary arts, showcasing the unique styles, flavors, and techniques of American pastry on the world stage.”
The support from GFI comes at a pivotal time, as Team USA intensifies its preparation for their National Selection in the fall of next year and the 2027 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie. With access to the highest-quality ingredients, the team will be well-equipped to experiment and refine their culinary creations, enhancing taste, presentation, innovation, and precision to meet the competition’s high standards.
Chef Kévin D’Andréa, the Sponsorship Director for Club Coupe du Monde Team USA, noted, “GFI’s commitment to excellence and their extensive product offerings make them an invaluable partner for us. This partnership enables our chefs to explore new textures, flavors, and techniques with the finest ingredients at their fingertips. The collaboration speaks to our shared passion for culinary innovation and the art of the possible in pastry.”
For GFI, the partnership extends its mission of supporting high-level culinary artistry and advancing technology-driven food solutions. Through advanced safety protocols, traceability, and world-class software, GFI provides chefs and consumers with safe, high-quality products. The company’s platform is a vital resource for both entrepreneurial ventures and established brands, offering predictive analytics and supply chain management that create cost efficiencies for customers.
Since its inception in 1989, Club Coupe du Monde Team USA has been dedicated to advancing the pastry profession, fostering innovation while honoring the craft’s rich history. With partnerships like the one with GFI, Team USA is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence and remain a formidable competitor on the world stage. This collaboration underscores the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and its determination to showcase American ingenuity in the pastry arts.
The synergy between Team USA’s visionary chefs and GFI’s unparalleled ingredient offerings is anticipated to yield innovative results that resonate well beyond the competition. Both organizations are committed to championing culinary excellence and inspiring a new generation of chefs who see pastry as both a science and an art.
With this new chapter, Team USA and GFI embody a shared vision of culinary artistry, excellence, and the power of collaboration. This partnership sets the stage for exciting possibilities, and both organizations are ready to bring their finest to the world’s premier pastry competition.
Alongside Gourmet Foods International, several esteemed partners have committed their support to the 2027 Pastry Team, establishing a strong foundation for Team USA’s journey to Lyon. Valrhona, the Main Partner Founder, is also a Platinum Partner. Truffly Made has also signed on as a Platinum Partner. Additionally, Midwest Global Imports, serving as the Official Practice Kitchens for the team, and Paul Strabbing, the Official Team Photographer, are participating as Gold Sponsors. Together, these partnerships highlight the robust support behind Team USA’s mission to excel on the global stage at the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie.
For Sponsorship Opportunities
To learn more about supporting Club Coupe du Monde Team USA and becoming a partner, please contact Chef Kévin D’Andréa at [email protected].
About Club Coupe du Monde Team USA
Club Coupe du Monde Team USA is committed to inspiring excellence, creativity, and innovation in the pastry arts. The organization selects and supports the best American pastry chefs to represent the U.S. at the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in Lyon, France. This prestigious biannual competition features 50 countries and is recognized as the premier global pastry competition. For more information, visit www.pastryteamusa.com and on social media: @pastryteamusa.
About Gourmet Foods International
GFI is a full-service importer, wholesaler and distributor offering over 15,000 of the world’s finest food products. GFI’s dedicated fleet of trucks and drivers deliver these products on time and in perfect condition with very approachable minimum delivery requirements. We specialize in the most elite and obscure award-winning creations to the classic icons like Reggiano, Gruyere and Aged Gouda. Our highly curated assortment helps expand your experience in key categories such as Hors D’Oeuvres, Cured Meats, Olives, Snacks, Pasta, Vinegars, Bakery, Pastry, Imported and Domestic Cheeses and more. For more information, visit https://www.gfifoods.com/
