CHICAGO (July 30, 2012)— The National Chocolate Show and Chicago Fine Chocolate Show will premiere as the preeminent chocolate event and the only dual consumer and trade shows dedicated to the chocolate industry in the country on Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

Endorsed by a team of elite sponsors in the industry including The French Pastry School, Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), National Confectioners Association’s Chocolate Council, American Culinary Federation (ACF) and more*, The National Chocolate Show and Chicago Fine Chocolate Show were created to address both the trade professional and consumer, respectively. Both shows will showcase Chicago as the leader in the chocolate industry, drive advancements in chocolate and educate both audiences through two distinct events.

Show founder Mario Pi saw the need for such a platform for chocolatiers and companies in the niche chocolate industry to showcase their products.

“We’ve heard from our sponsors and exhibitors alike that chocolate deserves its time in the spotlight, says Mr. Pi. “We designed The National Chocolate Show and Chicago Fine Chocolate Show to create a forum for the advancement of the industry of chocolate through not just exceptional tasting experiences, but educational conferences and interactive demonstration and feature areas.”

The National Chocolate Show fulfills an unmet need for a trade show dedicated solely to chocolate in the United States, the home of seven of the top ten manufacturers in chocolate. Chicago was a natural choice for the shows, as the epicenter of the confection industry, with companies like Fannie May, Blommer Chocolate Company, World’s Finest Chocolates and more.

The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show hopes to become one of the elite culinary events in the country – allowing guests to explore artisanal products in the world of chocolate through tastings and educational demonstrations and conferences. At the affordable price of $25 and $10 for children for tickets, guests can enjoy and learn more about the craft of fine chocolate in addition to finding unique gifts for the upcoming holidays. The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show also provides a retail platform for rising artisan chocolatiers and pastry chefs to gain exposure during the prime holiday gift season.

Here’s what guests can expect at both The National Chocolate Show and Chicago Fine Chocolate Show:

The National Chocolate Show (Trade Show):

• Exhibitors: Leaders in chocolate product, supplies, ingredients, equipment, packaging, point of purchase, displays, apparel and uniform and more. Current and expanding exhibitors include: Valrhona, Mod-Pac Corp., Savage Bros. Co. and more

• Attendees: Targeted buyers of chocolate products and services from: specialty grocers; food service distributors; confectionery retailers; chocolatiers; chefs; hotels; restaurants; bakeries; gift shop owners; caterers; and more.

• Key Highlights: The National Chocolate Show plans to highlight key aspects of the chocolate industry from manufacturing, equipment and foodservice and more.

• Conference Programming:The National Chocolate Show will ignite discussions with industry leaders for the advancement of the chocolate industry through empowering conference programming on cocoa farming sustainability, improvement of the livelihood of cocoa farmers, trend spotting, fine flavor exploration, new product development, business insights, and more.

• Demonstration Stage: The pastry and culinary elite will showcase their innovative skill and the latest trends in chocolate in the show’s demonstration area. The versatility of chocolate will be showcased as an exceptional ingredient amongst a variety of cuisines and culinary techniques. 

Chicago Fine Chocolate Show (Consumer Show):

• Exhibitors: Accomplishedchocolatiers and pastry chefs from around the country: Mayana Chocolate, SPAGnVOLA, St. Croix Chocolate Co., Stella Leona Artisan Chocolates, Gabriella Chocolates & Confections, Flying Noir, Choclatique and more

• Attendees: Anyone who shares the love of chocolate! 

Key Highlights: 

• Conference Programming: Educational sessions will be offered by the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), ranging from small batch chocolate making from bean to bar, leveraging and creating trends, sustainability in chocolate, the lifecycle of chocolate from the farm to table and more.
• Fine Artisanal Chocolate Area: The Fine Artisanal Chocolate Area will feature products from the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) members and other top artisan chocolatiers from the United States and around the world like: handmade, small batch chocolate bars, truffles and bonbons and other chocolate sweets like salted caramels, panned nuts and fruits and macarons.
• Pairings Pavilion: Guests will learn how to pair and taste the nuances of fine chocolate with not only wine, but with beer and spirits as well as coffee, tea and more. Guests can explore what they enjoy and what pairs well and what doesn’t through guided tastings from chocolate expert Clay Gordon of The Chocolate Life.
• The Story of Chocolate: Presented by the National Confectioners Association’s Chocolate Council:  Guests will walk through the six steps of the chocolate production process from seed to consumption. Exhibitors will educate guests on the challenges and art of producing the finest chocolate in the world.
• Demonstration Stage: Presented by the French Pastry School: World class chefs and master chocolatiers will showcase classic techniques of chocolate making, from truffles to marshmallows so guests leave with an appreciation of the artisan craft of fine chocolate.
• The Chocolate Art Gallery:The French Pastry School will be putting their art on display with exquisite sculptures made exclusively of chocolate for all to enjoy.
• Friends of Chocolate: Guests can explore how chocolate plays a role in other facets of our lives from chocolate spa experiences, literature, entertainment and even a possible career in pastry.
• All Things Chocolate: From cakes, cookies, brownies and more, All Things Chocolate showcases chocolate as a defining ingredient in the broader pastry and culinary world.

To learn more about The National Chocolate Show and Chicago Fine Chocolate Show, please visit www.chicagochocolatefestival.com, Facebook or Twitter. To register for The National Chocolate Show or Chicago Fine Chocolate Show as press, please register here.

* Other event sponsors will include: Dessert Professional magazine, Cuisine Noir magazine, The Chocolate Life and Bean to Brand.