Championship Victory Secures Place in the U.S. National Pastry Team Training Program
Laurel, Maryland – June 30, 2026 – PastryStar is proud to announce that Pastry Chef Clotilde Ghibaudo, alongside teammate Chef Tatiana Vernot, have been crowned the winners of the 2026 North American Pastry Championship Roland Mesnier, held June 28–29 during the Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York City and hosted by the Academy Culinaire de France (ACF).
The championship celebrates the highest levels of artistry, technical excellence, creativity, precision, and innovation in North America. Competing against some of the continent's most talented pastry professionals, Ghibaudo and Vernot delivered an exceptional performance that earned them the championship title and a place in the U.S. National Pastry Team Training Program, the next step toward representing the United States on the international pastry stage.
For PastryStar, this accomplishment carries special significance. As Demonstration Pastry Chef, Clotilde plays a key role in helping customers transform ideas into successful bakery and pastry products. Through product development support, technical demonstrations, customer training, and culinary expertise, she showcases innovative applications while helping manufacturers and bakeries bring new concepts to market. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, creativity, and passion for the craft reflects the values that have guided PastryStar for nearly four decades.
As a longtime supporter of the pastry community, PastryStar proudly sponsors the North American Pastry Championship and remains committed to advancing the future of the industry. Through culinary education, professional development, and partnerships with leading organizations and competitions, the company invests in the next generation of pastry professionals and champions opportunities that help emerging talent thrive.
"At PastryStar, we believe great pastry has the power to inspire, connect, and elevate people. Clotilde and Tatiana demonstrated not only world-class technical skill, but also the courage, creativity, and determination that define true champions. Their victory is a celebration of excellence and a testament to the growing influence of women leaders in our industry. We hope their achievement inspires the next generation of pastry chefs to dream bigger, work harder, and believe that anything is possible."- Antonin Picou, CEO, PastryStar
"Winning this championship is an incredible honor," said Clotilde Ghibaudo. "This achievement represents months of preparation, teamwork, and perseverance. Sharing this experience with Tatiana made it even more meaningful. We hope our journey encourages others to believe in their abilities, challenge themselves, and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in pastry."
Their victory is more than a personal achievement, it is a powerful reminder of the growing impact of women in the pastry profession. Through talent, determination, and leadership, Clotilde and Tatiana exemplify a new generation of pastry chefs who are shaping the future of the industry and inspiring aspiring professionals around the world.
PastryStar extends its sincere gratitude to the Académie Culinaire de France USA & Canada Delegation and the Specialty Food Association for their dedication to advancing the pastry profession through this prestigious championship. Special thanks to Fabrice Guinchard, President of the Competition; Pascal Guillotin, President of the Jury; tasting judges Stéphane Cheramy, En-Ming Hsu, Sébastien, and Sylvain Leroy; technical judges Laurent Richard, Nicolas Botomisy, and Gilles Renusson; as well as the competition organizers, sponsors, volunteers, other teams and distinguished jury members whose expertise and commitment make this exceptional event possible.
About PastryStar
Co-Founded in 1986 by Mireille Picou and French pastry chef Theodore Pary, PastryStar is a family-owned U.S. manufacturer of premium bakery, pastry, and dessert ingredients serving commercial bakeries, industrial food manufacturers, in-store bakeries, foodservice operators, private label partners, cruise lines, and hospitality businesses across North America.
With a portfolio of more than 250 products, including fruit fillings, jams, pastry creams, dessert mixes, ganaches, and specialty ingredients, PastryStar develops innovative, clean-label solutions designed to deliver exceptional flavor, consistency, and operational efficiency. Manufactured in the United States under rigorous food safety standards, the company's products are SQF Certified, Kosher Dairy certified, and made without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Driven by a passion for innovation and craftsmanship, PastryStar combines decades of French pastry expertise with modern manufacturing capabilities to help customers create high-quality baked goods at scale. Beyond ingredient manufacturing, the company actively invests in the future of the industry by supporting culinary education, sponsoring professional pastry competitions, and partnering with organizations that recognize and develop the next generation of pastry talent.
Media Contact:
Emma Christol
Marketing Manager at PastryStar
[email protected]