6 Academy of Chocolate Awards for Hoja Verde from Ecuador
Chocolate experts gathered in London at the Academy of Chocolate Awards to judge chocolate from all over the world. The goal was to identify the highest quality chocolate, which is sustainable and traceable. This year, Hoja Verde chocolate, from Ecuador, won 6 awards in a contest with more than 1200 entries.
Record number of participants Academy of Chocolate Awards
This year there was a record number of participants with more than 1200 entries. It’s 12 times more than in 2005, when the Academy of Chocolate Awards was held for the first time. The chocolates came from more than 45 countries. The awards are intended to let good quality chocolate, which tastes great, become known to the consumer. This way, the consumer not only becomes aware of brands but get to discover the incredible story behind their chocolate products. This year, there was a significant increase in chocolate made by smaller producers. This is due to a growing awareness about the origins, craftsmanship and sustainability of real chocolate. The entries were received from both traditional chocolate producers in the UK, Europe, Canada and the US; as well as from newer producers from countries such as Colombia, Croatia and Korea.
Leading chocolate experts judge chocolate from all over the world
Leading chocolatiers from around the industry, including Luke Frost of Valrhona and Keith Hurdman of Felchlin, came together to judge the best chocolate samples. They were accompanied by Andrew Baker of The Telegraph, Charles Metcalfe MW, and Spencer Hyman of Cocoa Runners, and some of the most prominent chocolate bloggers and food writers in the UK.
The judging lasted 15 days at Westminster Kingsway College in London. There were various categories, including Bean to Bar, Tree to Bar, milk chocolate bars, white chocolate bars, dark chocolate bars, chocolate bars with a taste, chocolate with a filling, chocolate spreads and packaging.
Curious which chocolate producers have won a gold, silver or bronze award? Check out the complete list. The winners of the famous Golden Bean and other special Academy of Chocolate Awards will be announced during a beautiful ceremony at Claridge’s in July.
Won awards by Hoja Verde
SILVER FOR: Hoja Verde 66% + orange
BRONZE FOR:
Grow innovative chocolate from new countries
The Chocolate of Academy Award is organized by Silvija Davidson and Marie-Pierre Moine of the Academy’s Award committee. Sara Jayne Stanes OBE, president of Academy of Chocolate, said the following:
“We are pleased to have received chocolates from many more countries around the world than ever before, including innovative producers from the Far and Middle East”.
“The participants of this year have really raised the bar and we have seen some very wild and innovative flavors”.
“Consumer interest in craft chocolate is undoubtedly on the u. This year we received the most entries from small-scale B2B producers”.
“The talent and creativity of our newcomers and the consistent expertise of our regular customers made challenging and exciting judging and we look forward to announcing the overall winners in July.”
Discover how an awarded chocolate tastes like, check out our collection:
