When you think of Valrhona, images of rich, velvety chocolate likely come to mind. But for pastry chefs around the world, Valrhona represents far more than exquisite chocolate; it is the driving force behind their most ambitious creations, the brand that fuels their passion, and the founding partner of one of the world’s most prestigious pastry competitions: the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie.
Founded in 1922, Valrhona has grown from a small-town chocolate maker into a global force in the pastry world. The company’s dedication to innovation, quality, and sustainability has made it a beloved brand among top-tier chefs and pastry teams. As the founding partner of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, Valrhona’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the competition’s history and its reputation for excellence.
Once again, this French chocolate powerhouse is stepping forward as a critical partner of Club Coupe du Monde Team USA in its pursuit of excellence at the 2027 competition. With a storied history dating back to the event’s inception in 1989, Valrhona’s support has been integral to the evolution and success of both Pastry Team USA and pastry chefs globally.
Fast forward to today, and Valrhona’s enduring support remains as strong as ever, particularly in its relationship with Club Coupe du Monde Team USA. As Team USA gears up for the 2027 competition in Lyon, Valrhona’s involvement has proven invaluable—not only as a provider of some of the finest chocolate in the world but also as a partner committed to nurturing talent and innovation in the pastry arts.
A History of Partnership and Innovation
Valrhona’s involvement with Pastry Team USA is more than just a sponsorship—it’s a partnership that spans decades. The company has been a founding pillar of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie since the very first competition, helping to shape not only the U.S. team but also the event itself. Over the years, Valrhona’s unparalleled chocolate products have fueled the creativity of pastry chefs around the world, allowing them to push the boundaries of taste and technique.
In addition to providing superior products, for the company it’s about fostering a sense of community among pastry chefs and supporting them as they push the boundaries of their craft. In doing so, Valrhona has become an integral part of the competition’s evolution, influencing not just the U.S. team but also shaping the direction of the global pastry scene.
Brito, who has been a driving force behind Valrhona’s partnerships with pastry teams around the globe, views the company’s role as much more than that of a sponsor.
“We are honored to continue our strong partnership with Pastry Team USA and pastry teams worldwide,” said Benjamin Brito, CEO of Valrhona Inc. USA. “Valrhona has been at the heart of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie since the beginning, and we feel a great responsibility in ensuring the success of not only Pastry Team USA but all global teams striving for pastry excellence.”
Valrhona’s commitment is not limited to providing high-quality chocolate. Their involvement extends to supporting the creative and technical growth of chefs, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the pastry world. This spirit of partnership has helped elevate the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie into one of the most revered competitions in the world.
Supporting Pastry Team USA’s New Leadership
One of Valrhona’s most recent contributions to Pastry Team USA has been its role in reshaping the team’s leadership. Brito worked tirelessly to help identify and appoint Chef Stéphane Chéramy as the new president of Club Coupe du Monde Team USA. Chef Chéramy, an internationally recognized pastry artist, brings fresh energy and a wealth of experience to the team as it prepares for the 2027 competition.
“We are honored to once again welcome Valrhona as a key partner in our journey to the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie,” said Chef Chéramy. “Valrhona’s unparalleled legacy in the competition and their commitment to quality, sustainability, and forward-thinking make them essential to our preparation for 2027.”
This marks a new chapter in Valrhona’s collaboration with Pastry Team USA, one that emphasizes both tradition and innovation. Under Chef Chéramy’s leadership, the team will build on past successes while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of pastry.
Commitment to Global Pastry Excellence
Valrhona’s impact goes beyond the U.S. team, extending its support to pastry teams across the globe. As a founding partner of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, the company has a vested interest in ensuring that every team has the resources and inspiration needed to succeed on the world stage. From its state-of-the-art chocolate to its commitment to sustainable sourcing, Valrhona sets a high standard for quality that resonates with pastry chefs everywhere.
As a B Corp certified company, Valrhona has built its business on ethical and sustainable practices. This sense of responsibility is evident in their approach to the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, where they not only support individual teams but also strive to elevate the entire pastry community.
As Pastry Team USA prepares for the 2027 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, Valrhona’s support will be more important than ever. The competition has evolved over the years, with teams now expected to demonstrate not only technical mastery but also a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Valrhona’s B Corp certification, achieved in 2020, aligns perfectly with these values, making the company an ideal partner for teams looking to excel in all aspects of the competition.
Valrhona secured this demanding certification for the second time in December 2023. B Corporation rewards the world’s most committed companies that put equal emphasis on economic, societal, and environmental performance.
By working closely with chefs and chocolatiers worldwide, Valrhona helps promote a spirit of collaboration, one that encourages creativity while ensuring the future of the industry remains sustainable and innovative.
“We are incredibly proud to renew our longstanding partnership with Pastry Team USA and pastry teams around the world,” Brito said. “At Valrhona, we don’t just see ourselves as a sponsor — we feel a profound responsibility to the success of every team competing on the world stage. Valrhona has been part of this journey since the beginning, and we are deeply committed to fostering innovation, excellence, and a sense of unity within the global pastry community.”
The company’s influence extends across all levels of the competition. Their partnership with Sirha—the global brand that organizes the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie—has ensured that the competition remains a benchmark for innovation and artistry in the pastry world. Valrhona’s products, such as their iconic DULCEY blond chocolate and the revolutionary INSPIRATION fruit couvertures, have given pastry chefs new tools to express their creativity, while their educational programs help develop the next generation of pastry talent.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With Chef Chéramy at the helm and Valrhona’s continued support, Pastry Team USA is poised to make a strong showing in 2027. The team will be drawing on decades of experience, both their own and Valrhona’s, as they strive for excellence on the world stage.
“We are thrilled to renew our enduring partnership with Club Coupe du Monde Team USA and pastry teams around the world,” Brito said. “Valrhona has proudly supported this competition since its inception, and we look forward to continuing our work with Pastry Team USA and other global teams to promote excellence and innovation in the world of pastry.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Valrhona’s involvement in the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie is more than just a sponsorship—it’s a legacy of excellence, innovation, and a commitment to the future of pastry. As the competition continues to evolve, Valrhona remains at the forefront, providing the tools and inspiration chefs need to reach new heights.
For Chef Chéramy, the renewed partnership is about more than just preparation. It’s about ensuring that the team embodies the values of artistry, innovation, and excellence that have come to define the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie.
“Valrhona’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the competition,” Chéramy says. “They’ve been there from the beginning, and their commitment to quality and sustainability mirrors our own dedication to bringing the best of American pastry to the global stage.”
This partnership also represents both a continuation of a long-standing relationship (and friendship) and a renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of pastry. With Valrhona by our side, we are well-positioned to excel in 2027 and beyond.
As the pastry world looks ahead to the next Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, one thing is certain: Valrhona’s influence will be felt in every kitchen, on every team, and in every bite of the masterpieces created.
For Sponsorship Opportunities:
To learn more about supporting Club Coupe du Monde Team USA and becoming a sponsor, please contact Chef Kévin D’Andréa, Sponsorship Director, at [email protected].
