THE IRISH PÂTISSERIE CHAMPIONSHIP
2025 EDITION
SPONSORED BY ODAIOS FOODS & VALRHONA
Odaios Foods and Valrhona are delighted to announce the launch of the Irish Pâtisserie Championship 2025 Edition. The objective of this competition is to promote and advance the standards of pastry chefs across the island of Ireland.
Congratulations to all the finalists!
1st Place - Asia Mahealani McDonagh
32, Owner, Pastry Chef @ Mahealani Pastries, Galway
Cafe Gourmandise: Full Mooncake
Plated Dessert: Gaelach Lán
Chocolate Showpiece: Mahealani
2nd Place - Aoife Comerford
24, Pastry Junior Sous Chef @ Glovers Alley, Dublin
Cafe Gourmandise: Midnight Berry Bliss
Plated Dessert: Hazelnut Coffee Crunch
Chocolate Showpiece: Mo Shíorghrá
INDULGENT MINIMALISM
This year’s theme challenges participants to craft original recipes that capture the pure essence of chocolate through simplicity and minimalist design.
Six finalists will compete live, creating a plant-based café gourmandise dessert, a plated restaurant-style dessert, and a stunning chocolate showpiece. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to watch them in action in the kitchen and witness the winner being revealed during the conference.
MEET THE FINALISTS
Alessia Grisafi
23, Pastry Sous Chef @ Glovers Alley, Dublin
Motto:
"Always think with your mind"
Why Pastry?
It is the art of expressing emotions through desserts and the joy of creation
Championship Goals
Master chocolate, create first showpiece & connect with industry experts
Sven Herreman
35, Pastry Chef @ Langtons Hotel, Kilkenny
Motto:
"Have fun with ingredients, ideas & pushing limits"
Why Pastry?
A lifelong passion that provided focus & purpose
Championship Goals
Challenge himself, refine chocolate skills & highlight local produce
Aoife Comerford
24, Pastry Junior Sous Chef @ Glovers Alley, Dublin
Motto:
"All you need is a little luck & a lot of hard work"
Why Pastry?
A creative science with endless possibilities & self-expression
Championship Goals
Push boundaries, gain new skills & connect with top pastry chefs
Asia Mahealani
32, Owner, Pastry Chef @ Mahealani Pastries, Galway
Motto:
“E imua me ka pono – Move forward with righteousness”
Why Pastry?
Precision, creativity & bringing joy through desserts
Championship Goals
Challenge herself, network, gain exposure & work towards teaching pastry
Siriporn Notman
41, Senior Chef de Partie @ The Ivy, Belfast
Motto:
"No matter how hard it is, never give up"
Why Pastry?
A self-taught passion that brings joy & pride
Championship Goals
Gain experience, refine skills & learn from top pastry chefs
Juliette Simon
25, Chocolatier @ Grá Chocolates, Galway
Motto:
“Always give the best of yourself and push your limits so you have no regrets”
Why Pastry?
Let creativity speak in the flavours, shapes, decorations
Championship Goals
Surpass herself, push her limits, and step out of her comfort zone
THE JUDGING PANEL
Michael Kwan
Executive Pastry Chef at The Dorchester, renowned for his innovative creations and leadership in the pastry kitchen
Daniel Linehan
Co-founder of Bon Chocolatiers, a classically trained chef crafting award-winning handmade chocolates, Great Taste star winner & Golden Fork nominee.
Circle Wong
Pastry Chef Instructor at L'École Valrhona, specialising in alternative pastry and training across the UK and Northern Europe
Coralie Pichard
Head Pastry Chef at Lake Hotel Killarney, trained in a Michelin-star restaurant in Lyon, France and 5-star hotels in Ireland
Paula Stakelum
Former Irish Patisserie Champion and Global Director of Chocolate & Patisserie at RedCarnation Hotels
Esteban Canessa
Pastry Chef at Cashel Palace Hotel, a classically trained chef crafting award-winning handmade chocolates since 2020
Olivier Stievenard
Executive Pastry Chef at Adare Manor with Michelin-starred experience, renowned for crafting award-winning pastries