Italy

Yumiko Saimura, a little pastry-shop owner in Casale Monferrato, amazed all the jury at Sigep with his impressive talent. In a very original and essential way, Yumiko presented an awesome chocolate showpiece. With the competition theme of the 2011 WCM edition, being “Cocoa, Quetzalcoatl's Gift”, his showpiece was considered not only to be very beautiful, but also a very good interpretation.

This feeling of time pressure and stress created an unforgettable atmosphere of competition and at the same time, collaboration between the contestants. All the contestants were of a very high standard so the competition was incredibly tough, but Yumiko stunning talent resulted in her winning the competition. Yumiko Saimura will go on to represent ITALY in the world final in Paris in October 2011.

The Italian Selection for the World Chocolate Masters was awarded the prestigious award from the President of the Italian Republic with a silver medal and the crediting of "Italian Chocolate Master" as official championship.

2nd place was awarded to Francesco Boccia from Striano (NA)
3rd place was awarded to Sandy Astrali from Tombolo (PD).
Other prizes awarded were:
'Best Moulded Praline' won by Francesco Boccia;
'Best Dipped Praline' won by Yumiko Saimura;
'Best Chocolate Pastry' won by Francesco Boccia;
'Best Dessert' won by Sandy Astrali;
'Best Mystery Box' won by Daniele Orlando;
'Best Chocolate showpiece' won by Yumiko Saimura;

Below you find the list of the finalists:

1. Yumiko Saimura
2. Francesco Boccia
3. Sandy Astrali
4. Daniele Orlando
5. Lorenzo Zuccarello
6. Mauro Iannantuoni
7. Giacomo Siracusano
8. Linda Meacci
9. Silvio Bessone
10. Vito Filingeri