The Chocolate Show 2017 at London Olympia
Truffles, bars, brownies, cakes and a plethora of luxuriously decadent chocolates from across the country and beyond were showcased at The Chocolate Show.
Seldom do lovers of chocolate need an excuse for a indulgent nibble, but when you have the UK’s biggest celebration of the nation’s favourite taking place at the London Olympia, what better excuse could there be?
And so for 3-days from 13-15 October, FtL joined thousands to enjoy the delectable things happening at The Chocolate Show which included:
- A selection of the finest chocolatiers and pastry makers from the UK and around the world
- Celebrity chef demonstrations
- Workshops for adults and budding chefs
- Tastings
- Sculptures
- A pop-up chocolate restaurant
- and much more!
And so, the following are some of the delightful chocolate brands we came across as part of our extensive coverage of the event.
NOTE: The following selection do not contain alcohol, and have, thus, been included after being informed by stall representatives on the day.
Guittard are showcasing this incredible 6ft Chocolate Wall which was decorated live by @lucie_bennett. The Guittard Chocolate Company is an American-based chocolate maker which produces couverture chocolate using original formulas and traditional French methods
ChocoMe owner, Gábor Mészáros, works as a chocolatier at the company, and is the only person in charge of the production, logistics, marketing management and business development. What he has produced is the Raffinée that won the 3-star Great Taste 2017 award. Along with many other awards, that’s some accomplishment!
The Luker Foundation, a non-profit organisation behind the production of cocoa used in the making of the Choc Amor range, aims at contributing towards improving the quality of life for the people of Manizales in Colombia.
The St Vincent Chocolate Company was established in 2016 and is currently the largest chocolate maker in St Vincent, an island in the Caribbean. It’s recently introduced a milk chocolate range to go along with 72% dark chocolate bar.
Twickenham based Urban Village Chocolates was created by Deborah from her home. With five Gold Great Taste Awards under her belt, she is going from strengh to strength.
Qualified pastry chef, Oksana, followed her passion to create chocolates and patisserie called L’Amethyste. In just 2-years their products have already won several prestigious awards including the International Chocolate Awards 2017 and Great Taste Awards 2016-17. While it came at £1.50 per item, it was worth it given these were as good as you get!
Zara launched her own company, Winchester Fine Chocolates. The chocolates are handmade using the finest ingredients and, where possible, locally sourced. Zara’s perfectionism and flair for flavour have won her a contract to supply a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Dormouse Chocolates was created by chocolatier, Isobel. As well as their bean-to bar range, they also create a range of single origin bars and discs, flavoured with natural oils, spices, fruits and nuts. The Rose and Raspberry bar was awarded a gold star in the Great Taste Awards 2016.
Based in Twickenham, London, R Chocolatea is a bespoke British Chocolatier and Patissier. It supports ‘Elephant Family’ – an organisation against Ivory trade.
Washu make chocolate to protect one of the most endangered primates species in the world – the Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey and its habitat, the Ecuadorian Chocó.
From Sheffield comes a chocolate gold bar which, inspired by the ancient Maya Indians who valued the cocoa bean so much that it was used as currency, looks like it should be in a safe deposit box rather than our mouths!
Perla Organic created by young entrepreneur, Carol Marcia, developed an organic chocolate with real quality-control in mind. They have all the certifications you need to know what your eating. It truly is of the highest quality!
Bold statment with the Ecuador family came out in force with numerous stalls to back up their claims.
Angovi is a brand of Chocolates born in Ecuador thanks to four college friends. The beautiful logo and art work was commissioned by LA MANDRÁGORA which sought to make an expression of chocolate through Ecuadorian art.
Azra combines women’s love of chocolate and shoes by handcrafting, elegant high heel chocolate shoes.
And they haven’t forgotten the men either…
London based Fifth Dimension Chocolates create a sensory experience in fine chocolates, by combining classic and unusual flavours.
For FtL, this was the best thing had on the day. Goufrais are a Germany-based company that make the smoothest most luxurious chocolate. No need to bite; it literally dissolves in the month. Sublime!
At the back of the exhibition hall were ridiculously impressive clothes made of chocolate.
Team Lauden is run by Sun and Stephen.
You may remember Stephen from the BBC’s competition series ‘Bake Off – Crème De La Crème’.
Lauden Chocolates can be found in some of the best hotels in the world.
They are also avaialble at a number of exclusive independent outlets.
Voted amongst the 1000 most influential Londoners in 2013, award-winning chocolatier Aneesh Popat has showcased his creations at Michelin-starred restaurants and to royalty.
Paul Young is a groundbreaking and inspirational chocolatier who is at the forefront of the British chocolate scene.
You might recognise him from numerous TV shows!
He’s also published a number of award-winning cookbooks.
OCTO create luxury organic raw vegan chocolate is sweetened with the top-grade Coconut Blossom Sugar.
