Chocolatine Kazakhstan–2025: Central Asia’s Top Young Bakers Named in Turkestan

Turkestan Region hosted the international “Chocolatine Kazakhstan–2025” competition, bringing together the most promising pastry talents from technical and vocational colleges across Central Asia. The event, held within Kazakhstan’s Year of Skilled Professions, was organized with the support of the Ministry of Education.

A total of 22 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan competed in two demanding pastry-making modules, demonstrating advanced techniques under the supervision of judges from the international confectionery community.

The Grand Prix in the Junior category—and a coveted spot at the 2026 World Championship—was awarded to Pernen Mukhammedali from the Turkestan Higher Multidisciplinary Agrarian College. The top title in the Professional category went to Makhmut Erkebulan, a student of the Astana College of Public Catering and Service.

Both winners will now represent Central Asia at the 2026 World Chocolatine and Pain au Chocolat Championship in France.