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White chocolate and bars with higher cocoa content surprise judges at AoC awards

White chocolate and bars with higher cocoa content surprise judges at AoC awards

White chocolate bars and varieties with higher cocoa content have been the unexpected winners in this year’s Academy of Chocolate Awards. Almost a thousand bars from across the world were submitted for judging, with both plain and flavoured white chocolate bars scoring highly. White chocolate bars picked up more than 12 silvers and 7 golds …

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We inform you of the passing of our founder and president, Sara Jayne Stanes OBE

We inform you of the passing of our founder and president, Sara Jayne Stanes OBE

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our founder and president, Sara Jayne Stanes OBE on Saturday morning (24 July 2021). Sara has been a true friend and colleague to so many of us. Her drive and dedication has had a huge impact on the global chocolate industry, and …

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Top producers honoured at Academy of Chocolate special awards

Top producers honoured at Academy of Chocolate special awards

Two artisanal producers have been named as winners of the coveted Golden Bean trophy at the prestigious Academy of Chocolate Awards this year. Chocolat Madagascar, which became the first tree-to-bar producer to win the Golden Bean award in 2017, has again been successful with its single-farm ‘Ottange’ bar, made from 100% cacao. Meanwhile, Qantu, which …

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World’s most established fine chocolate awards are open for entries

World’s most established fine chocolate awards are open for entries

The Academy of Chocolate has announced the launch of its 2021 annual awards, seeking to recognise and profile the world’s most incredible chocolates and their producers. As in previous years, chocolatiers and chocolate makers will be able to enter their products in 32 key categories. As the world’s most established chocolate awards, organisers will work …

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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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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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