Champions announced from the 2018 Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show

Image: Katrina Ilardo

Chocolate is pure pleasure for many all over the world.

However for some it is their livelihood, a source of inspiration and an outlet for their creativity.

This was evident in recent weeks with the staging of the 2018 Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

The Champions from that prestigious competition have been announced at the “Sydney Royal Taste of Excellence” Awards at The Stables, Sydney Showground.

Championship winners are decided from amongst the Gold Medal recipients in their individual classes at all Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy and Fine Food competitions throughout the calendar year.

The 2018 Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show resulted in the awarding of 13 Gold Medals from the 129 entries catalogued for judging across 20 Classes from boxed and block chocolate through to chocolate showpieces (themed chocolate structures constructed on-site against a set time limit).

The Taste of Excellence Awards brought the curtain down on the annual Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, a series of competitions held at Sydney Showground across several weeks.

Chair of Judges for the 2018 Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show Jodie Van Der Velden has raised the level and quality of entries this year;

“The high quality of exhibits entered reflected in the amount of medals awarded (75) compared to previous years,” Jodie Van Der Velden said.

“We saw some very interesting exhibits with innovative flavour combinations, finishing techniques and textural components”.

“The student category was also a tremendous success”.

“The chocolate showpiece construction was breathtaking to watch as entrants created gravity-defying sculptures made of chocolate to the theme of ‘Spring’,” Jodie said.

The Student Showpiece classification was taken out by fourth year apprentice Hayley Waterhouse from Newcastle.

2018 was the first time the judging process was opened to the public and was held in conjunction with the Smooth festival of Chocolate.

2018 Champions for Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show are;

The Champion Chocolate Perennial Trophy donated by Callebaut Chocolate.

Exhibitor Name: MYRTLE & PEPPER FINE CHOCOLATE,
Exhibit Name: NATIVE AUSTRALIAN HANDMADE CHOCOLATES

Prize (Annual Trophy) for Champion Chocolate Showpiece, sponsored by Callebaut
Chocolate.

Exhibitor Name: SANTIAGO CUYUGAN
Exhibit Name: CHOCOLATE SHOWPIECE

Prize (Annual Trophy) for Champion Chocolate - Best Student/Apprentice, sponsored by Cacao Barry.

Exhibitor Name: AYESHA LIONEL BIEM
Exhibit Name: INDIVIDUAL MOULDED CHOCOLATE

Champion Chocolate Showpiece- Student/Apprentice (Class 19)

Exhibitor Name: HAYLEY WATERHOUSE
Exhibit Name: CHOCOLATE SHOWPIECE