Entries will open today for the most decadent competition on the Sydney Royal calendar, the 2018 Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show.
For the first time this prestigious competition will take place alongside the smooth festival of chocolate at Sydney Showground, capping a perfect weekend of all things chocolate.
Chair of Judges and 2018 Champion of the RAS (Royal Agricultural Society of NSW) Jodie Van Der Velden has welcomed the move to allow the public to see what has in the past been a behind-closed-doors judging process.
“For the first time the public will be able to witness the mechanics of the judging process and see firsthand the substantial commitment and professionalism of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW,” Ms Van Der Velden said.
Last year’s competition saw entrants from around the nation judged across 22 classes.
Classes range from chocolate blocks to truffles, chilli chocolate and handcrafted showpieces built on-site and against the clock.
Expert judges will assess entrants based on taste, texture, smoothness and innovation (flavour and texture).
A unique aspect of the Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show is its focus on student categories, providing apprentice chocolatiers the chance to further develop their skills.
“The creation of our student category is one of my proudest accomplishments,” said Jodie Van Der Velden.
“The key in raising the quality of products in our industry ideally starts with our future leaders and their grounding in quality training,” she said.
Prizes include training packages for winners to further their specific industry skills, among these the acclaimed Callebaut Belgian Chocolate Academy.
Entries for the Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show close 5pm Wednesday June 13th. Judging will take place at the smooth festival of chocolate on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of September at Sydney Showground.
