The prestigious “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” contest
 |
The “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” MOF contest is a competition between several French craftsmen to become the best French craftsman in his category (pastry, butchers, jewelry…). This title allows to preserve the French heritage, its know-how and its prestige. From chocolate maker to carpenter, without forget the florist or again the boilermaker, the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” makes dream.This title is obtained thanks to a contest imagined in 1913 by Lucien Klotz, famous French art critic and journalist, to improve learning. But the French Trade Minister, Lucien Dior, give his agreement only after the First World War, in 1922. The first “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” contest (“Best Craftsman of France”) was born in 1924.
The contest is very important in the gastronomic world because the French gastronomy is an art very reputed. This title became a national certificate since 2001. |
The launch of the 26th edition
Once again this year, the COET-MOF, the association which organize the contest, launch the 26th edition of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”. The aim is to continue to valorize the professional experience “Made in France”. The winners’ names will be known in 2018. Be patient!
Today, there are more than 9 000 Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, represented in 17 professional sectors, more than 230 professions. We find 14 of them in the gastronomic sector:
|
|
|
Since 1924, the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France family continues to grow up to keep the French tradition.
Some profiles of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France
The Meilleurs Ouvriers de France list is very long and it is impossible to quote every craftsmen. But there are below some of them, with a description, to understand why they represent the French culinary heritage.
 |
Arnaud Larher – Chocolate maker, pastry:Passionate craftsman, Arnaud Larher has so much creativity to save the French pastry heritage. When he was only 25 years old, after several years of learning with famous pastry cooks, such as Pierre Hermé, he decides to open his first shop in Montmartre, in Paris. This pastry is so successful than two others open in 2007 and 2012. But Arnaud Larher doesn’t stop here. He wants conquer the world, exporting his creations and his know-how, to Japon in particular. Awards: 2000 : Best Pastry Cook of the year by the Champérard Guide 2007 : Meilleur Ouvrier de France – Pastry category 2013 : Five Chocolate Bars by the Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat (institution of excellence which makes a reference in the landscape of the French and international chocolate) 2015 : Enter in the famous dictionary Who’s Who in France 2017 : Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of the Merit) |
Maison Lenôtre – Pastry, caterer:
The Maison Lenotre, which it already has achieved a proven reputation, is the house of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France.
In fact, between Lenotre Shops and Lenotre school which teaching to the best apprentices, this institution wants the respect of the French tradition and excellence.
This is why, it works only with famous chefs such as Guy Krenzer (Meilleur Ouvrier de France charcuterie and cooking) in the creation, Michel Roth (Bocuse d’or, Meilleur Ouvrier de France) to manage schools, or Fabrice Brunet (Meilleur Ouvrier de France cuisine).
Guy Krenzer1988 : Meilleur Ouvrier de France – Charcuterie category |
Michel Roth1991 : Bocuse d’Or and Meilleur Ouvrier de France |
Fabrice Brunet1998 : First prize in the Arpajon Culinary Contest |
 |
Jonathan Buirette – Fishmonger-Fish scaler:The Meilleur Ouvrier de France contest is not only for people who invent receipt, but also for craftsman who valorize French Natural products. It is the case of Jonathan Buirette, young Fishmonger-Fish scaler who advocates French and responsible coastal artisanal fishing. Awards |
If you want to discover more about the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France and taste their creations, go to www.laroutedesgourmets.fr and book your Food Shopping Tour in the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France shops.