Nomination from the International Chocolate Awards
Today we found out that we had been lucky enough to receive a nomination from the European Semi Finals of the International Chocolate Awards for one of our delicious new bars.
Using Original Beans Esmeraldas Milk Bar we have created a bar full of texture and different flavours by adding Marou Cocoa Nibs, Pistachios and Smoked Sea Salt from Halon Mon.
The International Chocolate Awards are organised by Kate Johns of Chocolate Week and Martin Christy of Seventy%. Kate and Martin first had the idea for chocolate awards back at the beginning of 2004. When the Academy of Chocolate was formed in the UK, they were a key part of the team that developed and ran the awards. The Academy of Chocolate awards are very successful but Kate and Martin felt that there was a need for truly international awards. The International Chocolate Awards are an independent organisation, partnering with fine chocolate experts and organisations in different countries with independent verification and oversight. The International Chocolate Awards are completely independent of any other fine chocolate organisation, but will work with associations and other partners in each participating country.
Over 200 different chocolates were entered into the European Semi Finals, and last year over 600 chocolates were entered into the Finals, so the competition is extremely high. To receive a nomination in the first year of entering is a huge achievement, especially as the level of quality handmade chocolate is so high in Europe. The finals will be taking part in October in Chocolate Week, so I will be looking at the judges’ comments to refine the bar for the finals.
Transparency and fairness are key to the philosophy of the awards, judging is overseen by independent committees of experts and entrants. The awards aim to consult widely with the fine chocolate industry on the details, categories and structure of the awards. To find out more about the International Chocolate Awards please visit their website
Tags: Awards, Cocoa Nibs, Esmeraldas Chocolate, Europea Semi Finals of the Internation Chocolate Awards, Halon Mon, handmade, International Chocolate Awards, Marou, Original Beans, Pistachios, shrewsbury, shropshire, Smoked Sea Salt