Finalists Named for Top Catalan Bread Honour

The final of the Millor Pa de Pagès Català (Best Catalan Country Bread) contest will take place on Sunday 4 October at Teatre Bartrina in Reus, bringing together five finalist bakeries from Barcelona and Figueres. The event, organised by the Consell Regulador de la IGP Pa de Pagès Català, will crown this year’s top producer of the protected geographical indication (IGP) bread. The finalists are Forn Mistral, Montserrat Forners, Forn-Pastisseria Gil, and L’Obrador dels 15, all from Barcelona, and Maia Flequers from Figueres. Forn Mistral and Montserrat Forners are former winners, while Forn-Pastisseria Gil and L’Obrador dels 15 have previously reached the final. This is Maia Flequers’ first appearance in the decisive round.

Jury to Tally Blind Tasting Results

The jury, which will conduct a blind tasting, will assess each entry against the IGP’s strict production standards, focusing on crust, crumb, aroma, and flavour. The panel will be chaired by Reus mayor Sandra Guaita and include Antoni Vila, president of the IGP Pa de Pagès Català; Jordi Salas, nutrition professor at Universitat Rovira i Virgili; Ester Gomis, president of the DOP Avellana de Reus; and Xavier Pàmies, co-owner of Reus’ own Forn Sistaré and winner of the 2025 edition.

The presence of last year’s winning baker on the jury reflects both tradition and transparency in recognising excellence across Catalonia’s baking community.

Forn Sistaré is ineligible to compete again under contest rules, but its participation in hosting and judging highlights Reus’ deep ties to the craft. Though no local bakery made this year’s final, officials stressed that hosting the event promotes Reus as a gastronomic destination.

Public Event with Free Entry and Fundraising Option

The gala is free to attend but requires prior registration via the official city booking portal. Attendees will watch jury deliberations live, enjoy a performance and cocktail, and conclude with a communal tomato-rubbed bread tasting in Plaça del Teatre. While entry is free, guests may contribute through a reverse ticketing system. All donations will support the Fundació Mossèn Frederic Bara. The final marks the culmination of Reus’ IGP Pa de Pagès Week, running from 28 September to 4 October, featuring talks, exhibitions, and tastings across the city.

  • Monday 28 September: Roundtable on bread traditions at Reus Chamber of Commerce, led by historian Damià Amorós
  • Tuesday 29 September: Tribute to Pastisseria Miquel Caelles, one of two Reus bakeries in the IGP
  • Thursday 1 October: Central Market tasting
  • Friday 2 October: Bread display and bibliographic exhibition at Biblioteca Central Xavier Amorós
  • Saturday 3 October: Tasting during TEDxReus at Mercat del Carrilet

Primary sources: inscripcions.reus.cat. Reported by newspa.cat, diaridetarragona.com, 3CatInfo, elnacional.cat, padepagescatala.org, diarimes.com, La Ciutat, svh.cat, reusdigital.cat.