In October, Edmond Gasser, a renowned independent sommelier, was awarded the prestigious blue-white-red collar, an honor recognized as the highest distinction for professionals in the hospitality industry in France. This accolade, known as the MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France), was awarded during the 28th session of the competition, where Gasser shared the title with Emmanuel Cadieu. The ceremony took place at the Lycée Hôtelier International de Lille, where nearly 700 people gathered to witness the historic event. For the first time, the finals of the sommelier, cuisine, maître d'hôtel, and bartender classes were held in the same location and on the same day, marking a significant milestone in the history of the MOF. Gasser, who previously served as head sommelier at Maison Pic in Valence until July 2025, had already been honored in March with the Michelin Sommelier Award. The Michelin Guide praised his ability to create subtle pairings and his innovative approach to wine and beverages. Since 2020, he has led the sommelier team at the mother house of the Pic group, a three-star restaurant under the direction of Anne-Sophie Pic and David Sinapian. Gasser’s team manages a cellar with over 33,000 wine references and includes fifteen sommeliers, one of the largest teams in France. Gasser’s career path was not straightforward. Born in Paris in 1989, he initially pursued psychology after obtaining a literary baccalaureate. However, he later switched to a technical program in Table Arts, a vocational training that focuses on hospitality and gastronomy. While working at an application restaurant, he discovered the role of sommeliers and became passionate about the profession. He began his career as a sommelier apprentice at the George V hotel in 2011, worked for two years in Munich, and later joined the Beau-Rivage hotel in Geneva. In 2017, he became the first head sommelier at the Indian restaurant of the Mandarin Oriental, and in 2020, he was named Sommelier of the Year by the Swiss Gault&Millau. Philippe Faure-Brac, president of the Sommelier class and a former MOF winner, highlighted the significance of the event. He noted that this edition of the MOF was a celebration of teamwork and excellence across the hospitality professions. The candidates demonstrated an exceptional level of skill and dedication, and Faure-Brac expressed pride in presiding over the jury for the 28th session. He extended his congratulations to all the finalists and thanked the organizers, juries, and the school for their efforts in making the event a success.