Benoit Blin MCA, exécutive pastry chef, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, has been named as president of the British team that will go forward to compete in the World Pastry Cup in January 2011.

Taking place during the international food fair Sirha in Lyon, France, the contest, known as ‘La Coupe du Monde de La Patisserie’ will feature a UK team for the first time since 2003.

Joining Blin to make up the UK team will be Javier Mercado, pastry lecturer, Westminster College; Chris Loder, pastry lecturer, Westminster College; and Johannes Bonin, pastry chef, The Connaught Hotel.

Each team will have 10 hours to prepare and present a buffet in front of the jury, press and a public audience. It must include: three chocolate dessert entremets/cake; three frozen and ice cream fruit dessert entremets/cake; 12 identical plated desserts, inspired by and representing their country; an artistic creation/sculpture made out of sugar only; an artistic creation/sculpture made out of chocolate only; and an artistic creation/sculpture carved into ice.

“The 2011 Pastry World Cup in Lyon is an exciting and huge opportunity for the UK hospitality industry to demonstrate that, competing with 22 other countries, the UK pastry and dessert skill is a force to be reckoned with,” said Blin.

“Since 1989, the UK has only been represented there twice, in 2001 and 2003. The UK pastry team must and will inspire a new generation of young chefs in the country, so let’s give them all our support during their preparations. Join us and cheer on the UK in Lyon on 23 and 24 January 2011.”