South Korea has beaten off competition from 11 other international teams to be crowned winner of the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie, or The Bakery World Cup.

The Koreans fielded a three-man team who had to compete for the prize across three categories: Baguette & Breads of the World, Viennoiserie, and Savoury Bakery and Artistic Creation. The three-man team produced Hallah bread from Israel, Kanelbulle (cinnamon buns), from Sweden and a stunning bread sculpture called Archery on a Running Horse.

The event was held as part of the biennial Europain, the Paris bakery exhibition, and marked South Korea’s first podium placing in the competition. Taiwan came second, improving on its third placing of last time, while France, World Bakery Champion in 2008, came third.

Christian Vabret, president of honour and founder of the contest, said: “I had announced that this 2016 edition would possibly be the very best, given the level of the contestants and creations. We saw some brilliant teams, well prepared, with the quality this entails, with men and women who understand the spirit of the contest, and results that are beyond exceptional.

“The most difficult challenge was deciding among them, and the task of the jury was not easy. We wished for an outstanding contest, and that is what we got! Watching the teams at work was a sheer delight and the result was superb.”

The next Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie will be held in 2020.

Here is the event in pictures:

The winning South Korean team of (left to right) of Chang-Min Lee, Jong-Ho Kim and Yong-Joo Park.

The Artistic Creation from Taiwan celebrated the country’s national sport of baseball.

The teams had to demonstrate core baking skills as well as artistic flare, as this selection from the French team shows.