The Pastry Team UK which includes Florian Poirot, Andrew Blas and Chris Zammit and led by President and international pastry consultant, Martin Chiffers are gearing up for the final of Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie which take place at Sirha on January 22-25, 2017.

Sirha 2017 was officially launched in the UK at London's Rosewood Hotel by Marie-Odile Fondeur, Managing Director of Sirha and Florent Suplisson, Gastronomic Events Director. They were joined by Brian Turner CBE, President of Bocuse d'Or; Amandine Chaignot, executive chef at the Rosewood and former Bocuse d'Or contestant, John Williams, Executive Chef at the one Michelin starred, The Ritz Restaurant and members of the UK Pastry Team.

Two years ago the UK team reached sixth place - their highest ever achievement - and this year they are going all out for a top three position.

British pastry chef Martin Chiffers said: "Our aim this year is to get on to the podium. It is an incredible opportunity. The chefs need to be prepared to give up everything, and to give everything!"

Each team has to create a sugar, chocolate and ice showpiece as part of their bid for culinary glory. In a change to the rules this year, the top five teams, instead of the top seven, will automatically go through to the 2019 finals, with the chance to be crowned the world's best.

Sirha, the world leading food service and hospitality show is renowned for hosting the grand finals of Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, and Bocuse d'Or.

Marie-Odile Fondeur, Managing Director of Sirha, said: "A show like no other - there is a very special and unrivalled atmosphere at Sirha. It is the only event in the world dedicated to all types of food services. The show identifies, shares and brings to life, trends and innovations in food service to help make the industry, and business, better. A visitor can find everything that they need in one single location - whether they are a chef or hotel manager."

Florent Suplisson, Gastronomic Events Director,  said: "Competitions are at the heart of Sirha, they are in our DNA. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Bocuse d'Or - the Mount Everest of gastronomy. There will be a sprinkling of surprises during the contest and closing dinner, for visitors to look forward to."

Sirha is a global platform for more than 3,000 exhibitors and brands and a must-visit for catering and hospitality professionals looking for the latest innovations, and trends in food service.

>>> Read more about the Pastry Team UK here