On May 4, 2026, Barcelona hosted the Relais Desserts 2026 Seminar, one of the most prestigious events in the international pastry world. For an entire day, the Catalan capital brought together the industry’s most renowned chefs, who came to exchange ideas, demonstrate techniques, share knowledge, and collectively envision the future of their craft. Matfer Bourgeat is proud and honored to have been the official partner of this edition, alongside an association that has embodied the highest standards in pastry creation since its inception.
A must-attend event in the world of international pastry
Every year, the 2026 Relais Desserts Seminar—like its predecessors—brings together the biggest names in the global pastry world with a shared goal: to advance the art of pastry through collaboration. Technical demonstrations, peer-to-peer exchanges, presentations of new products, and reflections on trends in the profession: the program is packed, and each highlight sparks lively discussions among artisans who, for the rest of the year, run their own businesses across the globe.
What makes this event so unique is precisely this spirit of camaraderie. The association’s members don’t come together to compete, but to share their knowledge. Techniques are shared, ideas are exchanged, and young talents observe the techniques of the most experienced chefs. It is an open-air school, where professional generosity takes precedence over competition.
Barcelona: An Event Celebrating Creativity
Coordinated byEric Ortuno and members of the Spain region, this edition highlighted that special energy: pastry-making rooted in tradition yet focused on the future.
Participants were able to explore a wide variety of approaches to working with chocolate, sugar, and fruit, with a strong focus on seasonality, sourcing raw materials, and reducing waste. These are all issues that cut across the entire food service industry today and call for concrete solutions from equipment manufacturers.
Shared values for over two centuries
Working alongside chefs at an event like this means sharing a common vision: that of creative pastry-making driven by exceptional artisans. For more than two centuries, our company has supported professionals based on four simple convictions:
precision of movement, because a poorly designed tool hinders the chef’s hand;
craftsmanship of the highest caliber, because the quality of a material is evident from the very first use through the thousandth;
innovation in the service of creativity, because equipment should open up possibilities, never limit them;
the passing down of expertise, because a trade can only survive if it is taught.
These principles guide every one of our product developments, and they are exactly the ones we encountered throughout our day in Barcelona.
Matfer Bourgeat Creation: Custom-Made Excellence for Pastry Chefs
Through Matfer Bourgeat Creation, this commitment comes to life in the custom design and manufacture of professional equipment for the culinary arts. Our workshop works closely with chefs, starting from the design phase, to create solutions perfectly tailored to their space, their workflow, and their visual identity:
professional baking tools designed for precision and durability;
refrigerated display cases that showcase the creations while ensuring optimal preservation;
wine cellars designed to meet the specific requirements of each establishment;
Aging cellars for the most discerning professionals.
Every project begins with listening: understanding a team’s workflow, a laboratory’s constraints, and a chef’s habits. Next comes working with materials—stainless steel, brass, wood, and glass—followed by a series of adjustments until the perfect result is achieved.