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Category: News & Blog

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The Academy of Chocolate announces new board appointments

The Academy of Chocolate announces new board appointments

The Academy of Chocolate, an independent not-for-profit membership body that promotes real chocolate, has announced a series of new appointments within its board. Former chair and founder, Sara Jayne Stanes OBE, has been appointed president of the Academy, while Chantal Coady OBE and Clive Martyr have been appointed co-chairs. As part of the move, Coady …

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Record number of gold awards for chocolate makers from across world

Record number of gold awards for chocolate makers from across world

The Academy of Chocolate has today announced the final results of its annual competition – awarding a record number of gold accreditations to chocolate makers from across the globe.   With Covid-19 enforced restrictions delaying the judging, virtual and in-person tastings have been conducted by leading names in the chocolate sector over the course of the last eight weeks.    The 47 ‘gold’ …

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Interview with Oba Dokum Thomson (His Royal Majesty the Oloni of Eti-Oni, State of Osun, Nigeria)

Interview with Oba Dokum Thomson (His Royal Majesty the Oloni of Eti-Oni, State of Osun, Nigeria)

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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A guide to chocolate – the journey from pod to palate.

A guide to chocolate – the journey from pod to palate.

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 …

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INTERVIEW: Duffy Sheardown from Duffy’s Chocolate

INTERVIEW: Duffy Sheardown from Duffy’s Chocolate

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 …

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Coping during and after the pandemic – Simon Wright

Coping during and after the pandemic – Simon Wright

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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INTERVIEW: Åkesson’s journey to success

INTERVIEW: Åkesson’s journey to success

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 …

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Newcomers take top filled chocolate honours  

Newcomers take top filled chocolate honours  

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 …

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Academy of Chocolate Awards 2020 Update

Academy of Chocolate Awards 2020 Update

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 …

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Michel Roux OBE – a true hospitality hero.

Michel Roux OBE – a true hospitality hero.

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 …

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