Rémy Duret: Artisan Excellence Recognized at the French Custard Tart Championship

Artisan baker-pastry chef and founder of Maison Duret, Rémy Duret places the quality of ingredients at the heart of every creation. In this interview with Eurovanille, he looks back on his career, shares his vision of artisanal pastry, and explains the importance of vanilla in his daily work. He also discusses his experience at the French Custard Tart Championship, where he achieved an impressive third-place finish.

Can you introduce Maison Duret and tell us about your background?

Maison Duret is a bakery and pastry shop founded in 2019 by my wife and me. We are both passionate about baking, pastry making, and quality products, with the ambition of offering high-quality artisanal creations.

As for my background, I started at the age of 14 with a two-year pastry apprenticeship leading to a CAP Pastry qualification. I then spent one year in bakery training to obtain my CAP Baker qualification, followed by an additional specialization year in bakery to further develop my skills.

I entered the workforce at the age of 18. After working as an employee for three years, I quickly realized that I wanted to start my own business. That is why I decided to open my own bakery and pastry shop at the age of 21.

What inspired you to pursue this profession?

What inspired me was the creativity and indulgent nature of pastry making.

How would you define your signature style in pastry?

I enjoy creating elegant desserts with simple yet perfectly mastered flavors.

My pastry creations stand out through creativity and attention to detail.

I focus on indulgence, freshness, and harmonious flavor pairings.

My signature lies in refined desserts with a modern touch.

How important is the selection of ingredients in your work?

I place great importance on selecting ingredients because their quality directly influences the taste, texture, and final appearance of pastries. For me, excellent products are the foundation of an excellent dessert.

Vanilla is an essential ingredient in pastry making. What role does it play in your work?

In pastry making, vanilla is an essential ingredient. It brings softness to products and enhances flavors. I enjoy using it to add depth and balance to my creations.

In your opinion, what makes a good vanilla product for artisans?

In my opinion, a good vanilla product for artisans can be recognized by the quality of its aroma, its intensity, and its freshness. It should add depth to preparations and enhance desserts without overpowering other flavors.

In your creations, do you prefer a subtle and enveloping vanilla or a more pronounced vanilla profile?

It depends entirely on the dessert. As a pastry chef, I adapt the use of vanilla according to the flavors and balance sought in each creation. It can be subtle and delicate or, on the contrary, more prominent to bring greater character and indulgence.

In your day-to-day work, what do you expect from a professional vanilla product?

In my daily work as a pastry chef, I expect above all quality from a professional vanilla product: authentic flavor, good aromatic intensity, and consistency to ensure reliable results in my creations.

You took part in the French Custard Tart Championship and achieved third place. What do you take away from this experience?

This experience was extremely rewarding for me. Achieving third place at the French Custard Tart Championship was a great source of pride and a wonderful recognition of my work as a pastry chef. It also allowed me to challenge myself, exchange ideas with other professionals, and gain valuable experience.

You used our Perle de Vanille Premium for this creation. Why did you choose it?

I chose Perle de Vanille Premium for this creation because it offers excellent vanilla quality, with intense and consistent aromas. It brings depth and indulgence to my custard tart while ensuring outstanding consistency in the final result.

What kind of relationship do you have with Eurovanille and its products?

I have been working with Eurovanille for around four years and have built a very strong professional relationship with the company. Their products are of excellent quality and highly consistent. In my opinion, they are among the best on the market, making them a trusted partner in my work as a pastry chef.

Special thanks to Ms. Joud EL ZEIN – Sales Representative and Technical Support.

What are the next projects for Maison Duret?

Maison Duret's upcoming projects focus on developing new pastry creations in order to offer even greater variety to our customers.

We also aim to continue improving the quality of our products and the in-store experience while remaining true to our artisanal expertise.