Meet the finalists
Meet the finalists
Key dates
21 To WatchWorld’s new league of pastry chefs together in Berlin for the 1st ever World Chocolate Masters Bootcamp
21 To Watch
World’s new league of pastry chefs together in Berlin for the 1st ever World Chocolate Masters Bootcamp
With only a few months away from the WCM World Final, our chefs travelled to Berlin to dive deep into the future of pastry and chocolaterie. For 3 days, they immersed themselves in a series of inspirational sessions on artistry, design, craft and taste: a unique opportunity to collaborate, exchange and gain new insights right before the final.
“The months ahead are more important than anything. To define ideas, find sparring partners, discuss hot topics, ... Even if this competition is based on individual performance, we are a community, always open to new ideas.”
– Roman Morato –
Creative Director at Cacao Barry
Taking taste to the next level.
Taking taste to the next level.
Starting from 17 April, finalists took part in intensive ideation sessions focusing on food future & personal growth. Through networking, exploring different cultures and finding new ways to get into the right flow, they broadened both their mental and technical skillset.
The Berlin bootcamp sessions covered everything from inspiring stories by previous winners Vincent Vallée and newly appointed president Frank Haasnoot, to interactive talks about steering the creative process by artists & designers Adam Johnson and Benjamin Van Oost. Parisian patisserie wonder Yann Couvreur and pairing Methodist François Chartier guided our finalists through a series intricate taste sessions.
“There’s a revolution going on. And Futropolis challenges us in finding a language to define it.”
– Florent Cheveau –
World Chocolate Masters finalist for USA
But it didn’t stop at just taste. Brahim Asloum, France’s former Boxing World Champion, coached our finalists into unlocking their energy & focus: important skills for a competition that demands a pilot’s eye for detail. Scientist François Chartier and Canadian wine experts guided our finalists through the world of molecular analysis. In a hands-on flavour pairing exercise, they explored ingredients from around the globe and matched them with Cacao Barry’s couvertures to create brand-new flavour sensations.
To conclude these exciting 3 days, Dutch brothers Kamiel and Hendruk Buysse treated our 21 finalists to a 12-course dinner, blending innovative courses with matching cocktails: a taste trip to remember.
New format. A 2018 final like no other.
New format. A 2018 final like no other.
The competition has always embraced innovation and transformed itself to offer finalist new opportunities in setting new standards. The upcoming final will consist of new assignments, settings and creative impulses. Now more than ever, artisans are facing new challenges to stay relevant, innovative and truly unique.
“WCM has always been a platform for new talents to showcase how they push boundaries. Now we’re stepping up the game.”
– Joost Lindeman –
Global Brand Manager for Cacao Barry
Jury members will specifically look for exciting taste combinations, forward-thinking patisserie concepts and a design language that will define tomorrow’s commercial patisserie. All while reducing our ecological footprint, bringing healthier foods to the table and finding new impulses. Changing consumer preferences, trends and new technologies will be at the heart of the creative challenges.
“Interestingly, breaking the cycle means coming full circle. I’m really striving for green concepts that help reduce waste and emphasise recyclability.”
– Chris Kwok –
World Chocolate Masters finalist for Canada
Practical info
Practical info
The 2018 World Final of the World Chocolate Masters will take place in:
SALON DU CHOCOLAT – PARIS – Porte de Versaille – Hall 4
31 OCT – 2 NOV 2018
Accessible during salon opening times.
Tickets to the salon include free access to the public space of the 2018 World Final.
As of spring 2018, they can be purchased at: www.salonduchocolat.com
The event will be livestreamed at
www.worldchocolatemasters.com
facebook.com/worldchocolatemasters
World Chocolate Masters channel on Youtube