British Chocolatiers Come Out on Top in International Chocolate Awards‏

British chocolatiers led the way in the filled chocolate categories of the World Finals of the International Chocolate Awards earlier this month, with the likes of Paul a Young and Damian Allsop beating off stiff competition from top chocolatiers from around the world.

The International Chocolate Awards World Final featured the best of the best from the fine chocolate industry. Over 600 products were entered into the country rounds held in Italy, the UK, the USA and Vancouver throughout the year. 102 products made it through to the world final to be re-judged by the grand jury, who travel from around the world to each round, and a panel of experts. These prestigious awards give out just one Gold in each category and a number of Silvers to only the world’s finest chocolate.

Paul a Young triumphed in the Plain dark truffle category, winning Gold for his 85% RAW Ecuadorian dark chocolate truffle, with Damian Allsop’s Madagascan water ganache and Rococo Chocolates’ Madagascan house truffle both picking up Silvers. Paul a Young also won best Dark caramel for his Sea salted caramel.

Damian Allsop’s Salty Liquorice water ganache was named best Flavoured dark filled chocolate, with Boutique Aromatique’s Mint & sweet basil and Rococo’s Rose & cocoa nib ganache awarded Silvers in the same category.

This is the first year of The International Chocolate Awards, set up to recognise the best fine quality chocolate from around the world. The Americas triumphed in the bean to bar categories of the awards indicative of the current shift in the chocolate industry. The UK is currently one of the most vibrant and creative countries in the world for filled chocolates. With more chocolate shops opening than in any other country and leading the way in terms of innovation of ingredients. The USA and Americas have seen a plethora of micro batch bean to bar manufacturers launching and creating complex and stunning bars of chocolate. 

The International Chocolate Awards are designed to reflect international tastes and offer a level playing field for international entries. They return next year, with dates already announced for the Italian national competition (4-7 February 2013) and British national competition/European Semi Final (3-8 March 2013). Next year will also the scheme expand to more countries, with an Israeli competition already planned (10-12 February) and more national competitions to be announced in due course.