World Chocolate Master in Antwerp

The World Chocolate Master competition, organized by Barry Callebaut, took place in Antwerp on October 26 and 27. This event, the largest competition of chocolatiers in the world, marked the first time it was held in Belgium, the country of origin of the brand, in the historical setting of the former Antwerp Stock Exchange.

Finalists and judges

Fifteen finalists competed, judged on their monumental chocolate creations and chocolate candies by a panel of experts from around the world, including pastry chef Naraé Kim from the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme representing France. The competition was presided over by Amaury Guichon, Kirsten Tibballs, and Jordi Roca.

Super-finalists announced

During a gala dinner at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Antwerp, eight super-finalists were announced: Sanghwa Lee (South Korea), Samuel Fremaux (France), Lyu Haoran (China), Keita Koshimizu (Japan), Kasper Kleihs (Nordic countries, Sweden), Łukasz Roguski (Poland), Tommaso Grollero (Italy), and Jérémy Monsel (North America, Canada).

Competition results

Following a final on November 27, in which the super-finalists competed around a fresh chocolate dessert inspired by the host city and an innovative gift concept, Tommaso Grollero (Italy) won the title. Amaury Guichon stated, "This competition aims to develop new techniques that will then be used by the chocolate industry. You have exceeded yourselves and for me, you have all won."

Special awards

Second place was awarded to Lyu Haoran (China), and Keita Koshimizu (Japan) completed the podium. During the ceremony, special awards were also presented:

Innovation unveiled

Barry Callebaut revealed an innovation in a global premiere: Flavourcode 01, the first of a new range resulting from an unprecedented cocoa bean fermentation process developed by the brand. Commercialization in France is not currently planned.