Barry Johnson wins UK and Irish national selection of World Chocolate Masters

Barry Johnson has been crowned the winner of the national selections of World Chocolate Masters, beating Sarah Frankland who came in second place and Stephen Espouy in third.

Johnson, chocolate lecturer at London South Bank University, will represent UK and Ireland during the international final in Paris in October 2018 where 21 countries will compete in a three-day final.

The competition was a Futropolis theme and challenged contestants to think about the future of chocolate. The jury were looking for new chocolate taste combinations, forward-thinking textures and a design language that will define tomorrow's commercial patisserie and chocolaterie presentation.

The contestants had one day to create a chocolate showpiece called the Futropolitan; a pastry reflecting the flavours of Futropolis; and a Chocolate Snack to Go. In each of the assignments, the contestants had to integrate the theme with shape, design, presentation and selection of ingredients.

Each World Chocolate Masters contestant receives training from Cacao Barry's chefs and former World Chocolate Masters finalists to develop the skills needed for the final competition.

Robert Harrison, Cacao Barry sales director for Northern Europe said: "It was a fantastic competition with incredibly high standards and immense personal challenges, Barry emerged as a worthy winner and we look forward to his presence at the final of WCM next year"

Gary Hunter, president of the jury said: "Barry maintained a consistently high standard throughout the competition, showing great analysis of the futropolis concept he captured the imagination of all of the judges."

UK & Ireland Chocolate Masters finalists announced >>

World Chocolate Masters aims to discover the future of chocolate >>

Cocoa power: the journey of chocolate >>

Videos from The Caterer archives

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs