Leading chocolatiers and chefs set for World Chocolate masters judging
Markus Bohr, of Harrods, is among competitors at the World Chocolate Masters this year. Pic: Callebaut
A glittering cast of leading confectioners has been lined-up to judge the World Chocolate Masters, as the sector’s global talents line-up for a major showdown in a 2026 grand final, writes Neill Barston.
Organised by Barry Callebaut’s gourmet division, the jury, led by Amaury Guichon comprised of established chefs and artisans, including Markus Bohr, Executive Pastry Chef at Harrods.
As its organisers noted, the World Final competition, held every three years, offers a platform for innovation and a celebration of the finest chocolate craftsmanship.
For the 2026 edition, the theme is “Play & Taste,” inviting the 15 finalists to push the boundaries of techniques and explore taste to create a new future for chocolate.
As its organising group noted, the event has previously offered a major career platform for chefs including Naomi Mizuno (JP), Shigeo Hirai (JP) Frank Haasnoot (NL), Davide Comaschi (IT), Vincent Vallée (FR), Elias Läderach (CH) and Lluc Crusellas (ES), following the event offering them a significant international spotlight.
Notably, the jury this year will be presided by pastry chef and chocolatier Amaury Guichon (USA). He is joined by Spanish pastry chef Jordi Roca, who will serve as Head of Sensory Evaluation, and pastry chef and television personality Kirsten Tibballs (Australia), who will be Head of Technical Evaluation.
Markus Bohr, Executive Pastry Chef at Harrods, commented: “I am greatly looking forward to the all-new World Chocolate masters to be held in Antwerp where talent and world class skills will showcase the very best chocolate craftsmanship, leading an entire industry to new heights through vision and innovation.”
The panel of national judges, each representing a participating region, is considered a testament to the global character of the competition, which has set a high benchmark for quality artisan production.
Among the line-up are: Markus Bohr – United Kingdom, Aleksandra Sowa – Poland, Frida Bäcke – Sweden, Franz Ziegler – Switzerland, Saiko Izawa – Brazil, Julius Persoone – Belgium, Ricard Martinez – Spain, Jacky Lung – China, Nicolas Nikolakopoulos – Greece, Eunji Lee – United States, Silvia Federica Boldetti – Italy, Narae Kim – South Korea, Jeroen Van Helvoirt – Canada, Andrey Dubovik – Belarus, Ivan Chevalier – France, Lawrence Bobo – Malaysia.
“This jury exemplifies the very best that the chocolate world has to offer,” said Martin Diez, Sr. Director of the Callebaut Global Chocolate Academy. “These are not just experts; they are innovators who are shaping the future of chocolate. Their collective knowledge, combined with their individual specialties, will provide the finalists with invaluable feedback.”
