A new bread king in Paris has been born.
Xavier Netri came out on top out of 172 contestants and was announced as the winner of the 31st Grand Prix de la Baguette earlier this week, according to the Associated Press.
Netry, who has been baking for 25 years, is head baker at Utopy bakery in Paris’ 11th arrondissement, according to his Instagram and Utopy pages.
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This contest judges baguettes on taste, appearance, texture, airiness, and baking quality.
According to the Associated Press, the jury included the deputy mayor of Paris, representatives of the baking industry, journalists, and “six Parisians who City Hall announced were drawn at random.”
Baker Xavier Netry makes baguettes at Utopy Bakery in Paris on Friday, April 26, 2024. Netley was crowned the winner of the Grand Prix de la Baguette. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
The unedible baguettes were donated to charity, according to the Associated Press.
As the winner of the Baguette Grand Prix, Utopie will take home a prize of 4,000 euros, or approximately $4,300. According to the Associated Press, the bakery will also supply baguettes to the Elysée Palace for a year.
The Elysée Palace is the official residence of the President of France.
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In a video posted to his Instagram page, Netley revealed why his baguette was so delicious. He praised the fermentation process and “a lot of love” and his passion for baking.
He also said he hadn’t slept a full day since receiving the award.
Netri said his baguettes are loved because of the fermentation process and “a lot of love.” (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Baguettes are undoubtedly popular in France and beyond, reaching a status rarely seen for carbohydrates: official cultural icon.
In 2022, the United Nations added “the know-how and culture of baguette bread artisans” to the “Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
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Of the 730 items collected from around the world, only five were related to bread or baking.
“Unlike other breads, baguettes are made with just four ingredients (flour, water, salt, leaven and/or yeast), and each baker obtains their own unique product,” the United Nations says. states.
The Netry baguette above beat out nearly 200 other baguettes to be named the winner of the 31st annual “Grand Prix de la Baguette” contest. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
The name “baguette” roughly translates to “little stick,” “cane,” or “baton” in French. The name comes from the shape of bread.
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In addition, baguettes require special knowledge and skills.
It is baked in small batches throughout the day, and the outcome varies depending on the temperature and humidity.
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Eating a baguette is a “special sensory experience”, the United Nations said.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
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