The Academy of Chocolate searches for the world's best chocolate

The Academy of Chocolate is judging in London this week to find the world' best chocolate.

The highest accolade, the coveted Golden Bean Award, will reward excellence from bean to bar and celebrate what the judges believe to be the finest chocolate in the world.

"The academy's mission is to promote fine chocolate," said chairman Sara Jayne Stanes. "This year's event, which has attracted more new producers from across the globe than ever before, reflects a growing market and recognises the work of cocoa farmers and many exceptionally fine products."

A list of winning companies will be revealed in early March and the winner of the Golden Bean Award will be announced at the academy's awards party at Fortnum & Mason in London on 23 April 2013.

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