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 beyond.

Since founding the Academy of Chocolate in 2005, Sara has led the way in promoting the understanding of fine chocolate.

Under Sara’s guidance, the Academy of Chocolate awards is now the most established international chocolate awards; it has provided a springboard for many of the finest chocolate makers in the world today, as well as continuing to encourage and promote rising talent around the world.

She was an absolute pioneer of the chocolate world, and her pragmatic, passionate and devoted interest for chocolate producers, and the chocolate supply chain, means she will leave a far-reaching legacy across multiple sectors.

We will all miss her tremendous energy and enthusiasm, but most of all we will miss her boundless personal support, kindness and humanity.

Our deepest sympathies are with Sara’s husband Richard, and her immediate family.