Mövenpick Ice Cream crowns Louise Jayne Rigden as Gourmet Chef of the Year

Mövenpick Ice Cream has announced the winner of its annual Gourmet Dessert Chef of the Year competition as Louise Jayne Rigden from the Royal Opera House.

Rigden battled it out against five other finalists during the live final, which was compered by pastry chef consultant and author Will Torrent, in London last week and impressed the panel of judges with her textured Manjari chocolate dessert, with Mövenpick Raspberry Sorbet.

"I feel so proud to have won the competition. I worked hard to make sure my dish incorporated well-balanced flavours and textures, so am delighted the judges felt I achieved this. The Mövenpick Raspberry Sorbet was a perfect accompaniment to the dish, due to its strong consistency and intense flavour that paired wonderfully with the chocolate," said Rigden.

First runner up Biju Joshwa from London Marriott Country Hall and second runner up Zac Dearden from the Design House Restaurant in Halifax were also praised for the taste and presentation of their delicious creations: ‘Raspberry & Fennel', using Mövenpick Raspberry Sorbet, and ‘Carrot Cake with White Chocolate & Mövenpick Cinnamon Ice Cream'.

Ruth Hinks, UK World Chocolate Master and proprietor of Cocoa Black in Peebles in Edinburgh, said: "Today's competition was all about flavour. The standard was incredibly high and everyone did a fantastic job, but for me chocolate and raspberry is always a winner!"

All three chefs will now enjoy a Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles, Pralines & Ganache course at Cocoa Black with Hinks, as well as an overnight stay in Edinburgh.