About the Awards
Launched in 2005, the prestigious Academy of Chocolate awards sought to identify, recognise and showcase the world’s most talented chocolate producers and finest chocolates.
Since then, the awards have gone from strength to strength – mirroring the growth of the fine chocolate market. In its inaugural year, there were 12 entries. By 2023, that figure had grown to over 1400 submissions from more than 50 countries.
The awards are judged by leading chocolatiers, producers, journalists, bloggers, food writers, and other chocolate experts from across the industry.
Held in London, judges deliberate over key categories including Plain and Flavoured Chocolate Bars made with Bean-To-Bar Chocolates and Couverture Chocolates, Filled Chocolates, Drinking Chocolates, Spreads and Packaging. Further judging by a Supreme Jury considers Golden Bean (for the top exceptional chocolate bar) and Goden Bonbon (for the top exceptional filled chocolate).
Products are marked on a range of criteria by multiple judges independently, to determine the gold, silver, and bronze winners in each category.
In 2019 the Academy also launched a new Brand Awareness Award which celebrates the pleasure of enjoying chocolate as a complete moment by moment experience, from attractive functional packaging to enjoyable mouthfeel.