International Food Competitions

Beyond the various iterations of reality chef competition (Iron Chef, Master Chef, and Top Chef), France had taken the reins in creating several international food-related competitions that are largely unheard of in the U.S. despite a relatively strong representation by the U.S.  France hosts international competition for cooking (Bocuse d'Or Concours, mondial de la cuisine), artisan baking/bakery (Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie and Louis Lesaffre Cup), individual baker (Maîtres de la Boulangerie), pastries (Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie), and chocolate (World Chocolate Masters in partnership with Belgium).  In fact, the U.S. has won the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie twice.  The Wall Street Journal attributes U.S. success in recent years to foodie trends in the U.S. including increased interest in artisan baking.  I noticed that Japan also regularly demonstrates a strong showing at such competitions.