World Chocolate Masters is underway!

Paris – Some of the most talented chocolatiers in the world are in Paris competing for the global title as the World Chocolate Masters gets rolling today.

From Oct. 28-30, artisans will be demonstrating incredible innovative feats at this esteemed chocolate competition. This year’s theme is ‘Inspiration from Nature’.

The Canadian National selection for the World Chocolate Masters took place on April 17 at the new Chocolate Academy Centre in Montreal. Michaël Cotard – Cotard Chocolatier, Christophe Bonzon – Chez Christophe Pâtisserie Chocolaterie and Christophe Sportellini – Maison Christian Faure, were the three participants who demonstrated their chocolate expertise and creativity during this competition, where they were evaluated by esteemed and renowned chocolate and pastry professionals. Cotard won the competition and will represent Canada during the World Chocolate Masters final.

As an initiative of Cacao Barry, the final of the 2015 World Chocolate Masters competition will be hosted by the consumer fair Salon du Chocolat. Attending the chocolate competition live was formerly reserved for professionals in the food and chocolate industry exclusively. But this year, and for the first time ever, everyone with a love for chocolate can attend the World Chocolate Masters final.

Chocolate aficionados that will not be able to make it to Paris will be given the opportunity to watch the entire competition live from their computer, tablet or smartphone. The three-day live stream of the final will be broadcasted 24/7 at www.worldchocolatemasters.com.

Viewers can vote to support their local or favourite chef during one of the most impressive assignments. Each finalist has to create a stunning two-metre high showpiece, starting from a base that doesn’t exceed 40 x 40 cm. This extreme balancing act requires top chocolate creativity, extreme discipline and skill and took about one-and-a-half year of full dedication from each contestant to get through to this final. The finalist with the highest scores wins one of the most prestigious awards during the final: the Social Media Award. The winner will be announced during the price giving ceremony on October 30 at 12:30 (EDT).

The winner of the World Chocolate Masters will receive a trip to Tanzania offered by Cacao Barry to visit some of the world’s most stunning plantations. On top of that, it will also include various rewards offered by sponsors Capfruit, Selmi, Chocolate World, Prefamac, Villeroy, Salva, Kitchen Aid and Duval Leroy. The winning chef will also get the unique opportunity to launch his or her winning competition pastries and confectioneries at the Harrods department store in London.