Launched by Grands Moulins de Paris in 2003, in partnership with theÉcole de Boulangerie et de Pâtisserie de Paris, the Young Bakery Entrepreneurs Competition (CJE) has once again crowned three winners this year.
The final, which took place last February, also honored a fourth winner by creating, on an exceptional basis, a “special youth” award.
“Beyond the unforgettable experience, the support from the Grands Moulins de Paris team enabled us to see our project through to the end,” say Cyril Charvolin and Karen Fontanière, who placed second in last year’s CJE and now run their own bakery in Étoiles-sur-Rhône (26). This testimonial illustrates Grands Moulins de Paris’s ambition to be a major player in helping artisan bakers get started.
Throughout the year, Grands Moulins de Paris’s sales teams—specializing in business transactions and financing—assist bakers in finding business opportunities and developing financing plans that include loans. “Given the economic challenges of recent months, this ability to conduct financial audits and find banking solutions is a real asset for bakers,” notes Eric Collavini, Director of Transactions & Financing at Grands Moulins de Paris.
Support for the success of young entrepreneurs is evident, notably with the opening on June 11 of the Campaillette bakery owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dubois, who took second place in this year’s CJE competition. The first-place winners, Mr. Varet and Mrs. Dael, will open their business next July.
“The success of a bakery stems not only from a baker’s craftsmanship, but also from the ability to sell, manage, and lead. All these aspects are evaluated during the CJE. Candidates receive guidance from experts in baking as well as in other fields. Whether they win or not, we support them at every stage of their project to fully stand by these aspiring entrepreneurs,” continues Eric Collavini. “The unique period we’ve just gone through has helped highlight the baker’s trade as a true social asset. It’s an opportunity to continue attracting young entrepreneurs, just as we do every year. We see it every day: this profession attracts many passionate individuals, including those seeking a career change. In fact, every year, more than 750 students come to train at our partner school, the École de Boulangerie et de Pâtisserie de Paris, whether through apprenticeships, career change programs, or continuing professional development.”
To successfully carry out their projects, artisan bakers can count on the teams at Grands Moulins de Paris, a true partner to the industry.
The 16th edition of the Young Bakery Entrepreneurs Competition was sponsored by Fiducial and Coeur de VIVESCIA. We would also like to thank Dominique ANRACT, President of the National Confederation of French Bakers and Pastry Chefs, for serving on the project defense jury.
The winners are…
First place goes to Mr. Jérôme VARET and Ms. Anne-Sophie DAEL, who win €15,000
Second place went to Julie and Sébastien DUBOIS, who won €10,000.
Third place goes to Baptiste JACQUES, who wins €5,000.
Given the extremely close results, a fourth prize was awarded: the “Special Youth Prize,” won by Laura LAGRUE and Nicolas LARUE, who received €3,000.
Our winners also receive a turnkey startup kit with any membership in Campaillette or Copaline.
We would like to thank all the finalists for their participation, and we are very confident that their installations will be a success!
For more information about the contest, please visit our website:https://www.concoursboulangerie-cje.com/
