In the world of fine pastry, where precision meets poetry, the right vanilla can make or break a masterpiece. As Club Coupe du Monde Team USA gears up for the next edition of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie—the world’s most prestigious pastry competition—one of the most trusted names in vanilla has returned to the fold.
Nielsen-Massey Fine Vanillas & Flavorings, a company as revered in professional kitchens as the chefs who use its extracts, has officially renewed its support as a silver-level sponsor of Team USA. The move marks not only a continued partnership but also a celebration of shared values: craftsmanship, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the pastry arts.
For Team USA, which will compete in Lyon, France, in January 2027, the return of Nielsen-Massey is a meaningful moment. In kitchens across the country, their bottles are easy to spot—signature labels and a depth of flavor that speaks for itself. But beyond the products, it’s the company’s long-standing commitment to culinary education, sustainability, and the next generation of chefs that truly aligns with the mission of Team USA.
“We are proud to welcome Nielsen-Massey back as a partner,” said Chef Stéphane Chéramy, president of Club Coupe du Monde Team USA. “Their commitment to quality and tradition reflects the same values we uphold in the pastry community. Having their support strengthens our mission to inspire and advance pastry excellence across the country and the world.”
A Legacy of Flavor
Founded in 1907, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is a fourth-generation family-owned company. Its signature cold extraction process—developed to preserve the hundreds of delicate flavor compounds found in vanilla beans—has made it a trusted brand among pastry chefs, chocolatiers and artisan bakers worldwide.
But the company’s influence goes far beyond a simple flavor profile. Nielsen-Massey’s approach to vanilla is rooted in tradition but forward-thinking in execution. Whether it’s their single-origin extracts or signature blends, every bottle is a reflection of ethical sourcing, sustainable agriculture, and a reverence for the complex journey from bean to bottle.
Beth Nielsen, chair of the Nielsen-Massey Foundation and a member of the founding family, sees the renewed partnership as an extension of the company’s mission. “At Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, we have always been dedicated to supporting the world’s most talented chefs in their pursuit of transcending the art and craft of gastronomy,” she said. “This competition curates the apex of skill, creativity and passion in the pastry world. That aligns perfectly with our values and commitment to the culinary community.”
The Road to the Coupe du Monde
For those unfamiliar with the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, imagine a global stage where sugar becomes sculpture, chocolate transforms into architecture, and frozen desserts push the boundaries of flavor and technique. Held every two years in Lyon, France, the competition draws elite pastry teams from over 50 countries. Teams are judged on artistry, taste, innovation and execution under strict time constraints and an intensely competitive environment.
Representing the United States is both an honor and a logistical feat. From selecting chefs to planning months of training, Club Coupe du Monde Team USA oversees the development of each competing team. In September 2025, the organization will hold its National Selection in Chicago, where a select group of chef candidates will vie for the chance to represent the United States on the global stage.
The chefs who are ultimately chosen will then spend over a year perfecting their work—building chocolate and sugar showpieces, developing plated desserts, and exploring the full expression of their culinary vision. Throughout this process, they will rely on partners like Nielsen-Massey, not just for product but for the stability and trust that comes from a shared investment in the future of the craft.
Supporting the Entire Pastry Ecosystem
What sets Nielsen-Massey apart is its deep and enduring commitment to the broader culinary world. The company doesn’t just show up when the cameras are rolling—it is consistently behind the scenes, funding scholarships, supporting culinary education, and investing in the future of food.
The Nielsen-Massey Foundation, established in 2009, has provided grants to a wide range of non-profit organizations that support the culinary arts, sustainability, and food security. For amateur bakers and professional chefs alike, their presence is felt not only on the shelf, but in the systems that nurture growth, learning, and innovation.
This holistic approach resonates with the goals of Club Coupe du Monde Team USA, which is equally invested in building a pipeline of pastry talent—from culinary students to seasoned professionals. Through competitions, training programs and international exposure, the organization plays a vital role in advancing America’s place in the global pastry conversation.
A Shared Future
The renewed partnership between Nielsen-Massey and Club Coupe du Monde Team USA is more than just a line on a sponsorship banner—it is a testament to the deep relationships that drive excellence in the pastry world. It is a reminder that behind every showpiece and gold medal is a team of mentors, sponsors, craftspeople and companies who believe in the power of culinary artistry.
As the chefs of Team USA prepare to step onto one of the most competitive stages in the world, they do so with the confidence that comes from being supported by one of the industry’s most trusted names.
And as any pastry chef will tell you, confidence is an ingredient you can’t buy.
