Cacao Barry® announces the World Chocolate Masters UK and Ireland pre selection
The World Chocolate Masters, the premium international competition solely dedicated to the Art of chocolate, have started in October 2014 with a series of national selections, which will be held around the globe.The UK and Ireland national pre selection of the World Chocolate Masters will take place at Westminster Kingsway College, London on the 18th February 2015.
During the UK and Ireland national pre selection, chocolate talents from all of the United Kingdom and Ireland will have to compete to be awarded the coveted title of“UK and Irish Chocolate Master”, before having the great chance to represent their country at the 2015 grand international final in Paris.
During this one day contest only dedicated to the creative use of chocolate and “Inspiration from Nature”, each contestant will have to make one chocolate showpiece and one moulded praline. All new this year, the “Patisserie of the day” assignment will be prepared with daily fresh ingredients and the “Chocolate to go” will be another new task in which participants will create a whole concept of chocolate snack.
We are delighted to announce the judges:
Honorary head of Jury – Michel Roux Jnr
Head of Judges – Gary Hunter, Westminster Kingsway College
Technical jury:
Mark Tilling, Squires Kitchen and previous UK Chocolate Master
John Costello, Nestle and previous UK Chocolate Master
Ruth Hinks, Cocoa Black and previous UK Chocolate Master
Tasting jury:
Sarah Hartnett, Sheraton Park Lane
Joanne Todd, Browns Hotel
Sara Jayne Stanes OBE, Acacdemy of Chocolate
Dom Ramsay, Chocablog
David Girard, The Dorchester
Rachel Humphrey, Le Gavroche
Markus Bohr, Harrods
HidekoKawa, Pastry Consultant
“Inspiration from nature”, a theme in which artisans will sublimate the best part of Nature.
“Inspiration from Nature” is the new theme for both national selections and international final,that is set to inspire the participants. Nature proofs to be a strong source of sensorial inspiration. Whether it is the colour of flavours, the sounds of the ocean, the change of seasons, nature is all around us and affecting our moods. At the same time we want more pure, authentic and high quality ingredients. For us, food is more than just food.
For the 6th edition of the World Chocolate Masters, Pâtissiers, Chocolatiers and Chefs will have to play with colours, shapes, scents, textures…to tickle Jury’s senses. We like to invite chocolate creators around the world to explain us how natural products are shaped and transformed into a delightful story with cacao and chocolate at the heart.
The four contestants competing for the coveted title of UK and Ireland Chocolate Master are:
Alistair Birt, Head Chocolatier at William Curley
Mary Reid, Pastry Lecturer at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
Norma Kelly,Pastry Lecturer atDublin Institute of Technology
Richie Heppell,Head Chef at RAF Leuchars
If you would like to attend the World Chocolate Masters Pre-selection at Westminster Kingsway College on Wednesday 18th February 2015 please email: jayne_cowley@barry-callebaut.com
For more information on the competition, please visit our website www.worldchocolatemasters.com
