Spain

On February 3dr, Francisco Somoza Estévez from Madrid was selected Spanish representative for the international finals of the World Chocolate Masters, which will be held on October 19th, 20th and 21st within the framework of the Salon du Chocolat Professionnel in Paris.
Other candidates were : Ángel Alonso Valbuena and Francisco José Somoza, both from Madrid; Salvador García from Terrassa, Lluís Riera from Olot and Andrés Mármol from El Palmar (Murcia).

All of them were the stars of two long days of hard work. Their technical and artistic skills were put to the test in presence of a jury of renowned industry professionals, the chefs and ambassadors of our brands as well as representatives of the specialized press. They were given eight hours of competition for the following creations: artistic chocolate show piece to be assembled on the spot, moulded and dipped pralines, chocolate cake and gastronomic dessert. The theme of this year, Quetzalcoatl, the god of cacao, had to be reflected in the different creations.

Classification was as follows:

First place: Francisco Somoza Estévez
Second place: Salvador García;
Third place: Andrés Mármol.

Awards to elaborations:
Best Chocolate Show piece: Francisco Somoza Estévez;
Best Dipped praline: Francisco Somoza Estévez;
Best Moulded Praline: Salvador García;
Best Chocolate Pastry: Andrés Mármol;
Best Gastronomic Dessert: Francisco Somoza Estévez.

The organizers wish to thank the collaboration of all members of the jury and the support of our sponsors: Chocolate Academy, Bragard, Montagud Editores, Ediciones Vilbo, ICC and Cointreau. Without them this would not have been possible!