With the World Chocolate Masters (WCM) competition set to take place in October 2022, Cacao Barry, the French gourmet chocolate brand of Barry Callebaut Group, has shared details about the Middle East regional competition, which is scheduled for September 1, 2021.
Seven chefs from across the Middle East are preparing to be awarded the title of National Chocolate Master, confirming their spot in the final competition along with 20 other finalists. Within the theme and strict guidelines, the one-day event will celebrate the finest ideas and vision. The world final will take place in 2022.
The impact of Covid-19 has further driven artisans and chefs to refuel, rethink and restart. Therefore, this year’s theme is inspired by – #TMRW_TASTES_LOOKS_FEELS_
The World Chocolate Masters is the only competition in the world dedicated to the creative talent of professionals in gastronomy, patisserie and chocolaterie. The 21/22 competition will be the eighth consecutive edition.
The assignments for the contestants are:
#YOU Create a mood board explaining your core idea and how it reflects your vision of #TMRW
#DESIGN Create a chocolate design artwork using six different techniques and using max. 5 kg of chocolate
#TASTE Create a fresh chocolate patisserie including three compulsory ingredients (chocolate / a fruit / a locally sourced ingredient)
#SNACK Create a chocolate snack that is 100% plant based
#BONBON Create a bonbon based on natural ingredients completely E-number free
The contestant with the highest score will be named National Chocolate Master and will represent their country at the World Final in October 2022.
Chef Romain Renard, head of Chocolate Academy Centre Dubai, said: “The World Chocolate Masters has always been the platform where new talents showcase their vision and how they can push the boundaries of chocolate. And, with this new theme, we are stepping up the game and presenting a huge creative space for the participants. We’re looking forward to seeing the new take on chocolate by young, millennial chefs and their ideas of creation, as all the cutting-edge innovations revealed and shown here have always been an inspiration to chefs all over the world”.
“The announcement of the second season of World Chocolate Masters regional competition in Dubai is a timely addition to the already reviving culinary scene in the Middle East,” said Amine Mebrouki, Barry Callebaut Group’s sales director, Middle East and East Africa. “The region has established itself as a leading culinary destination with herds of talented chefs and culinary enthusiasts excelling in their respective areas.”
Maurice Feghali, CEO of EMF Trading Ltd, the Middle East coordination office for the BARRY CALLEBAUT Group, said: “EMF and Cacao Barry are proud to present the second season of World Chocolate Masters Middle East regional competition in the UAE. With the announcement of the new competition cycle and theme, the World Chocolate Masters is ready to look for the successor in this legacy of accoladed chefs. While Chefs are gearing up for ‘D’ Day, we are working toward ensuring a well-organized event that enables chefs to create magic and ensure everyone enjoys this intense process”.
