National Bakery School lecturer Barry Johnson is gearing up to represent the UK and Ireland in the final of the World Chocolate Masters Competition.
Johnson will compete against 19 international chocolatiers and pastry chefs for the title of World Chocolate Master at the event, which takes place at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris, between 31 October and 2 November.
The lecturer qualified last October after triumphing in the national heat against five other competitors.
In the three-day global final, which involves more than 14 hours of live competition, Johnson will be required to complete a chocolate heptathlon that involves creating a chocolate showpiece; snack to go; chocolate patisserie item; moulded chocolates (using a bespoke mould); noir challenge – using bespoke chocolate developed by Johnson; gâteaux du voyage as well as a mini showpiece.
“I’m excited about representing the UK and Ireland at the World Chocolate Masters,” said Johnson.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I intend to savour every moment of it. I was delighted with the feedback I received in the UK qualifying round, and plan to develop and refine products for the tasted element of the competition, focusing on the ingredients, flavour pairing and the eating experience. My showpiece will draw all these themes together and represent what I see as the future of urban sustainable food culture.”
Elaine Thomson, course director at London Southbank University’s (LSBU) National Bakery School added: “We’re so thrilled with Barry for making us proud by representing LSBU and the UK in the World Chocolate Masters this year. It seems only yesterday that he won the UK Chocolate Masters. Fingers crossed, his Midas touch with chocolate carries him through to the winning touchline again.”
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