History: 2005
The World Chocolate Masters has a rich history stretching back
over a quarter of a century. It was created in 2005 from a merger
of “Le Grand Prix International de la Chocolaterie,” organised in
France by the Cacao Barry brand, and the “International Belgium
Chocolate Award” organised by Callebaut. Based from as early stage
on pre-selections these competitions have featured many talented
young craftsmen who used the competitions to begin their
prestigious international careers. Many of these young craftspeople
got the opportunity to open their own shop in their home country or
abroad, others started giving demonstrations or were invited to all
kinds of events.
More recently the World Chocolate Masters has emerged as one of the
leading culinary competitions in the world where the world greatest
chocolate craftspeople compete for national and international
recognition as the very best in their profession.
Pol Deschepper is World Chocolate Master 2005
2nd prize goes to Fabrizio Galla (Italy), 3rd prize to Kouichi
Izumi (Japan)
This long-awaited final took place at Ecole Lenôtre in Plaisir,
near Paris in October. A jury of 16 chocolate professionals,
including Gaston Lenôtre as honorary president, chose the winners
from among the 17 most talented chocolate craftsmen.
The overall winner and World Chocolate Master 2005 was Pol
Deschepper, the Belgian candidate. He clearly convinced the jury as
he also won awards for best showpieces and best chocolate pastry.
An excited Pol De Schepper said: “I’m not the best one, I’m not the
winner, we are all winners.”
