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 with more judges made up of leading chocolate experts, food writers, professional tasters and other leading chocolatiers, to recognise the world’s most prestigious chocolates.

With COVID enforced restrictions in mind, the judging process this year will be phased and mixed, comprising of virtual and in-person sessions.

Lasting a period of six weeks, the judging process will assess appearance, depth of aroma and flavour, length and complexity, to determine the gold, silver, and bronze winners in each category.

As in previous years, promising products that are not yet at award-winning level will receive commendations.

The results will be announced upon the completion of judging, and the Special Awards will be announced after a Grand Jury meeting in October.

The awards also seek to identify Rising Stars from around the world.

Launched in 2005, the prestigious Academy of Chocolate awards have gone from strength to strength mirroring the growth of the fine chocolate market.

In the first year, the non-for-profit organisation had 12 entries submitted for its awards. In 2020, that figure had grown to a record-breaking 1,600 submissions from 50 countries.

Sara Jayne Stanes, president, The Academy of Chocolate said: “We are delighted to launch the 2021 awards. This year has been incredibly tough for so many people which is why all of us at the Academy are keen to showcase some of the best chocolate makers across the world and help to profile the brilliant work that they do.”

The special award winners from 2020 will be announced online at the end of April.