Exciting news from the heart of Paris! After a thrilling showdown among the city’s top bakers, Utopie has emerged as the champion, clinching the prestigious title of the Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville De Paris. This beloved competition, now in its 31st year, honours the artistry and dedication behind the quintessential French baguette.

Xavier Netry, the talented baker behind Utopie, stole the spotlight with his exceptional creation, winning over the discerning taste buds of the expert panel of judges in a blind taste test across five key categories: appearance, cooking, texture, aroma, and flavour.

Crafted with precision, each competing baguette must meet strict criteria, ranging from size and weight to salt content. Netry’s victory not only earns him a well-deserved round of applause but also a handsome prize of 4000 euros and the esteemed opportunity to supply baguettes to none other than French President Emmanuel Macron for an entire year.

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Netry, a baker for 25 years, said the secret to his lauded loaves were a good sourdough starter, careful cooking and love and passion.

The competition underscores the significance of the “baguette de tradition,” a designation introduced in 1993 to preserve the artisanal craft amid growing industrialisation.

This decree, affectionately known as the “Bread Decree,” upholds the tradition of handcrafted baguettes made with simple, quality ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast, sold exclusively where they’re baked.

More than just a contest, the Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville De Paris is a celebration of heritage and dedication, honouring the bakers who uphold the timeless art of crafting the perfect loaf of bread.

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