The Escoffier Museum of Culinary Art is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Société Nationale des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France this year through a photographic exhibition, sponsored by Philippe Joannès, President of the MOF Southern Region and Director of Culinary Events for the Société des Bains de Mer.
The “One of the Best Craftsmen in France” (MOF) competition was created in 1924 by Lucien Klotz, an art critic and journalist (1876-1946). He was keen for France to affirm its renown through high-quality artisanal work.
The 1st National Labor Exhibition was organized at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris. Two hundred masterpieces were exhibited there, and the title of “MOF” was awarded for the first time on January 31, 1925, to 144 laureates.
In 1929, the Société Nationale des MOF was created by René Petit to enhance the diploma and establish a network of laureates. The Association received public utility recognition in 1952. Since then, it has continuously developed and is now actively promoting manual trades.
