The grand prize for the best baguette in Paris has been awarded to Sami Bouattour, from the bakery Brun, located at 193 rue de la Tolbiac (Butte aux Cailles, XIIIe). The prize was awarded at the end of the competition, organized by the city of Paris at the Professional Chamber of Artisan Bakers in Paris (IVe).

The young baker will receive 4000 euros and will become the official supplier to the Elysee for 1 year.

As with each year, the baguettes were evaluated on five selection criteria: cooking process, taste, crumb, smell and aspect. Furthermore, the products submitted that morning had to be between 55 to 65 cm (1.8 to 2.1 ft long), weight between 250 to 300 grams (8.8 to 10.5 oz) and have a salt content of 18 grams (0.6oz) per kilos of flour. (Want to know how to convert grams to ounces? Click here)

The International Outreach of France

With about 200 participants every year, the Grand Prize of the Baguette competition is an amazing spotlight for the artisans: “I do not recall one country that did not come to my bakery”, said Mr Bodian, winner of the 2015 and 2010 editions. The artisan from Rue des Abbesses in Paris saw his clientele increase by 30% since 2010 according to the AFP (French press agency).

“The prize spotlights the expertise of the Parisian artisans and participates in the outreach of France. The winner is praised by the International Media.”, says Olivia Polski, deputy mayor of Paris.