Global fine confectionery companies gain Academy of Chocolate awards

The UK-based Academy of Chocolate has named an array of winners for its annual awards, after rigorously assessing a host of high-grade entries from around the world, reports Neill Barston.

In total, more than 250 companies from a tally of 55 countries participated with entries for the 2025 honours, with an overall figure of 1,400 products being placed under the microscope.

As the academy noted, the countries gaining the most accolades this year included Thailand, UK, US and Canada, displaying the diverse range of entrants for its well-established awards.

British companies emerged strongly in the honours, including Pump Street Chocolates with seven awards: two Golds in Flavoured Chocolate Bars and Brand Experience, two Silvers and three Bronzes.

There were also four golds in the filled Chocolates Category- Terroir Artisanal Chocolates – one Gold, five Silvers and three Bronzes, Hunter Chocolates – one Gold and two Bronzes, Nanako Kitayama from Melt Chocolates – 1 Gold
Students Category – Westminster Kingsway College – one Gold, one Silver and one Bronze.

Notably, the organisation saw its  Student Category (2nd year) gets its first two Golds, four Silvers and three Bronzes in filled chocolates and flavoured bars. Nine Golds show just how much Flavoured bars have gone from strength to strength. A total of Golds celebrate the complex slow process and dedicated craftsmanship that goes into selecting, nurturing and transforming beans into exceptional plain bars.

There were plenty of successes for international entrants including Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate from the US, gaining a gold honour for its flavoured milk chocolate variety.

Furthermore, Dutch-based Heinde & Verre also emerged triumphant with a gold award in the same category, along with Swedish firm Standout Chocolate for its Nordic Nature Cloudberry Caramel. Meanwhile, Goodnow Farms Chocolate also gained a gold award for its plain milk chocolate.