World’s most prestigious chocolate awards are open for entries
PRESS RELEASE 25 November 2019
The Academy of Chocolate annual awards have now opened for entries, seeking to identify and showcase the world’s most talented chocolate producers and their products.
Chocolatiers and chocolate makers are able to enter multiple products across five key categories – bars, filled chocolates, drinking chocolate, chocolate spreads and brand awareness, giving them the opportunity to be recognised in the world’s most prestigious chocolate awards.
With the increase in ‘Tree to Bar’ submissions, the Academy has expanded this area to include separate categories for dark, milk and white bars.
More than 100 expert judges will make up the panel, including leading chocolatiers and some of the UK’s most prominent food writers and bloggers. Judging sessions take place at Westminster Kingsway College in London over a 16-week period between February and May 2020.
Products will be marked on appearance, depth of aroma and flavour, length and complexity, to determine the gold, silver, and bronze winners in each category.
Promising products that are not yet at award-winning level will receive commendations.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony in July next year, including the famous Golden Bean award, which recognises the achievement of a producer controlling the entire process from roasting the bean to the finished, supremely delicious bar.
The ceremony will also witness the announcement of the Golden BonBon award, which was introduced in 2017 in response to the quality and creativity increasingly achieved in the popular filled chocolates category.
The Academy launched a Brand Awareness Award last year which celebrates the pleasure of enjoying chocolate as a complete moment by moment experience, from attractive functional packaging to enjoyable mouthfeel. This will also be announced as a one of the major winners at the ceremony.
The awards also seek to identify Rising Stars both in the UK and internationally.
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, there were 12 entries. In 2019, that figure had grown to a record-breaking 1,600 submissions from 45 countries.
Sara Jayne Stanes OBE, chairman, Academy of Chocolate, said: “We are delighted to launch our 12th awards this year. In 2005, I could barely dream that the artisan chocolate world would have flourished and identified so many talented chocolatiers and chocolate makers from across the world.
“In addition, the close relationships of the chocolate makers and the cocoa growers have helped both to understand each other’s needs and challenges – resulting in ongoing experimentation and products with complexity and character not previously tasted. What will the next 15 years bring?”
Marie-Pierre Moine, board member and awards ambassador, added: “Like the rest of the AoC’s activities, our Awards are strictly non profit-making. We are very grateful to the many experts who will generously give their time to judge the chocolates submitted and help producers with constructive comments. This year again we look forward to high quality exciting entries from all over the world.”
The deadline for the competition is 31 January.
Ends…
Notes to editors:
Producers and chocolatiers can enter via https://academyofchocolate.org.uk/
Media contact:
Piers Zangana
Susa Comms
t: 07960 078 935
e: [email protected]
About The Academy of Chocolate
Formed in 2005, The Academy of Chocolate is an independent membership body that promotes real chocolate.
This is achieved by working with manufacturers, producers and retailers to raise awareness and understanding of the role chocolate plays in society and overall wellbeing”
The Academy showcases great taste, encourages sustainable and ethical production, and provides educational opportunities.
www.academyofchocolate.org.uk