The 2012 Europain tradeshow in Paris will play host to a number of competitions that will bring together top baking and confectionary talent from around the world.

The eighth installment of the Bakery World Cup finals will take place in the le Cube competition area March 3-7. Twelve teams of three bakers will compete to unseat title-holding France in four categories: baguettes and bread from around the world, sweet Viennese pastries, savory presentations and an artistic piece. The participants will have eight hours total. The competing teams are: France, Taiwan, Italy, Peru, the United States, South Korea, Sweden, Senegal, Japan, Netherlands, Poland and Costa Rica.

In addition, The International Confectionary Art competition, taking place March 3-6, will involve teams from 16 countries creating at least 13 products, including pieces from sugar, gum paste and chocolate, along with a plated dessert. It is the only international competition that recruits only mixed-gender two-person teams.

The second edition of the International Cup de Cuisine, on March 3, will see eight teams composed of one young chef and two assistants preparing a main course dish with three garnishes and a dessert.

The third French Schools Cup will test students enrolled in professional baking and pastry-making programs with a five-hour competition composed of three tasks: baking, viennoiseries and pastries. The three best teams in each of two categories will receive prizes.

For more information on Europain, visit www.europain.com.