A visionary and innovator, Oba DokumThomson (His Royal Majesty the Oloni of Eti-Oni, State of Osun, Nigeria), has a passion for Nigerian cacao farming. As well as advocating for better conditions for women in the cocoa industry, he is working hard to ensure it is a productive and highly-rewarding asset to local communities. We spoke …
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By Sara Jayne Stanes, Founder, The Academy of Chocolate Chocolate is unique. It is the only substance that melts in the mouth at body temperature, gently exploding into a warm, sensual liquid. This singularly hedonistic and deeply satisfying experience has earned chocolate a role in everything from seduction and the demise of slavery to a …
Continue reading “A guide to chocolate – the journey from pod to palate.”
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After years 30 of making racing cars, Duffy knew what life was like in the fast lane. Since winning both a Golden Bean and the ‘Best Newcomer’ award in 2011, his UK-based business has gone on to pick up numerous accolades for a wide range of products. But despite all of this success in a …
Continue reading “INTERVIEW: Duffy Sheardown from Duffy’s Chocolate”
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Coping during and after the pandemic By Simon Wright, Of+ Consulting Founder and Academy of Chocolate Board Member In the UK, the lockdown has stimulated sales of bars of chocolate as we spend more time at home with our families. I do wonder whether it’s a shared treat or a coping mechanism. It’s safe to …
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As the son of a Swedish diplomat, Bertil Åkesson spent much of his childhood travelling the world. It was through his travels across Africa that he first fell in love with chocolate. In 2015, Bertil was the winner of the Golden Bean award for his ‘Åkesson’s Madagascar 75%, Bejofo Estate’. We spoke to him to …
Continue reading “INTERVIEW: Åkesson’s journey to success”
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The Academy of Chocolate has today announced the results of this year’s filled chocolate winners – with top awards going to newcomers from across the globe. Producers La Carambole Patisserie (Netherlands), La Fève by Pavel Pavlov (Norway, with the chocolatier from Sofia, Bulgaria), Realm of Cream (UK, but Hungarian origin) have all achieved golds for …
Continue reading “Newcomers take top filled chocolate honours “
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It is with great regret that we have to inform you that Westminster Kingsway College (where we host our judging and receive our goods) will close completely this Friday. This means we will not be able to continue with our judging for the foreseeable future. Please do not send out any samples until further …
Continue reading “Academy of Chocolate Awards 2020 Update”
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We, at the Academy of Chocolate, are all deeply saddened by the loss of our Patron Michel Roux OBE. Michel was not only one of our most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs and authors, he was also one of France and Britain’s greatest patissiers and chocolatiers. His unique approach to hospitality, not only changed the way we …
Continue reading “Michel Roux OBE – a true hospitality hero.”
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More than 100 new producers from almost 60 countries have entered The Academy of Chocolate Awards, marking the continued growth of chocolate producers from across the world. Debut submissions came from Bali, Estonia, Uzbekistan and Zambia, in what has been another remarkable year for the awards. As with the previous year, increased consumer awareness of …
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As part of a new series of interviews with past winners of our awards, we spoke to Cecilia Tessieri from Amedei srl, who won our first ever ‘Golden Bean’ award back in 2005. At the time, Amedei was relatively unknown to the global chocolate market. But since winning the top prize at the inaugural awards, …
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