The Moroccan team will compete from the first day in Box 3, offering culinary creations inspired by the rich Moroccan terroir while meeting international standards.
Marrakech – Morocco and Africa are preparing to once again make their mark on the culinary world by competing in the prestigious global finals of the Bocuse d’Or, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie (World Pastry Cup), and the Coupe du Monde des Traiteurs (World Catering Cup) at the renowned Sirha Exhibition in Lyon, France, from January 23 to 27.
The teams that will represent Morocco and other African nations qualified through the continent’s official chef competition, TOC Afrique, which took place on September 12-13, 2024, in Marrakech.
This event fully aligned with King Mohammed VI’s Royal Vision, and the decisive support from the Rahal Group, a leader in Moroccan gastronomy, allowed Moroccan teams to showcase their excellence and innovation on the international stage.
In addition to Morocco, three other African countries will also compete in these prestigious competitions, having qualified through continental tournaments organized by the Rahal Group in Marrakech .
Under the watchful eye of Kamal Rahal Essoulami, a member of the jury, president of the Moroccan teams, and ambassador for the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, Chef Yassine Bogdad, accompanied by his commis Youssef Lamghani and coached by Ahmed Bem Semlali, will proudly represent Morocco.
A global culinary showcase
The Bocuse d’Or, considered the pinnacle of global culinary art, gathers the world’s top chefs every two years to test their creativity, technique, and ability to elevate ingredients.
This year, 24 countries will compete in this prestigious final, selected through continental competitions such as the Bocuse d’Or Africa.
The Moroccan team earned first place at the continental stage, alongside Mauritius, with an outstanding performance against talented chefs from across Africa.
The Moroccan team in the Bocuse d’Or will be represented by Rachid Ouakkas as a jury member, Omar Eddib as a specialist in sweet creations, Mohamed El Yazidi for chocolate, and Sidi Mohamed Lamraoui for frozen meals.
The team will present exceptional creations inspired by the theme “National Heritage,” blending tradition and innovation. These will include frozen entremets, restaurant desserts, and artistic pieces made from sugar, chocolate, and ice.
Global pastry talent
Founded in 1989, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie is a world-renowned competition highlighting the finest pastry chefs from across the globe.
For the 2025 edition, 18 countries will compete in the final after qualifying in continental stages, such as the African Pastry Cup held in Marrakesh on September 13, 2024.
This competition saw Moroccan, Egyptian, and Mauritian teams showcase their talents and secure their spots in the global final.
On January 23, 2025, the Moroccan team, composed of Mohamed Fadil Ouahhabi, Lahoucine Zaoui, and Lahcen Idouakrim, will participate in this highly demanding competition.
Their participation will demonstrate Morocco’s prowess in the art of hospitality. The team will present refined buffets, dishes, and desserts that embody the Moroccan values of hospitality and conviviality.
Celebrating culinary excellence in event catering
Held every two years, the Coupe du Monde des Traiteurs is a prestigious competition for high-end event catering, featuring 12 teams from five continents.
Each team, composed of chefs and master caterers, is selected through rigorous qualifications during continental stages.
This competition celebrates the art of high gastronomy in events, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and excellence in presentation.
The Rahal Group plays a vital role in the preparation and success of the Moroccan teams, offering both strategic and logistical support.
Their commitment to promoting Moroccan gastronomy worldwide dates back to 2003, and since then, they have been supporting national teams in international competitions.
The Rahal Group also advocates for African gastronomy, aligning with the vision of King Mohammed VI to promote African culinary representation at the most prestigious international events while uniting African culinary talents through the TOC Afrique tournaments.
A culinary hub
The Sirha Lyon is a major event in the hospitality, catering, and food industries, held every two years in Lyon, France.
The next edition will take place from January 23 to 27 at Eurexpo Lyon. The previous edition attracted nearly 210,000 professionals from 152 countries, with 4,700 exhibitors and brands spread across 140,000 m², covering 14 different sectors, from furniture to food products.
The Sirha enjoys exceptional media coverage, with 1,109 accredited journalists, making it a premier platform for global industry trends.
In addition to exhibitions, Sirha Lyon is famous for its prestigious competitions, such as the Bocuse d’Or and the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, which draw worldwide attention and contribute to its international renown.
Morocco’s participation in these global culinary competitions highlights its growing influence in the world of gastronomy and its commitment to showcasing both traditional and innovative culinary arts on the global stage.
