Next Generation Chocolatier Competition to feature salty sweets

Open to U.S.-based chocolate makers who use artisan production methods, Next Generation Chocolatier is America’s only national chocolate competition.

Participants can be established professionals, emerging chocolatiers (under 30 years of age or in business less than five years) or students.

This year’s theme focuses on salty sweets, drawing upon the growing popularity of salt to extend the flavor and texture of chocolate confections. SaltWorks, a leading supplier of gourmet and single-origin salt, is an event sponsor.

Clay Gordon, renowned chocolate educator and author, heads up the judging team, which is comprised of six experts drawn from chocolate manufacturers, corporate pastry chefs, prestigious retail chocolate shops and corporate buyers. 

The Awards Ceremony Party will be held November 5, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the fabled 3 West Club in New York City. Guests are invited to meet the winning chocolatiers, sample their chocolate, enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and wine bar and kick-start New York’s Chocolate Week, which begins November 4th and coincides with the New York Chocolate Show, scheduled for Nov. 9-11.  A limited number of guest tickets are available at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/40088.

An award will be given for each of four categories: Best Bonbon, Best Bar, People’s Choice and Rising Star. The People’s Choice award is voted upon at the Awards Ceremony. The Rising Star award is reserved for both students and emerging chocolatiers.

Competition aspirants should submit their name, a short biography, a photo sampler of their work –not necessarily the sample(s) they may submit for judging –and a photo of themselves. The photos should be digital and in high resolution jpg or png format. These materials should be emailed before August 15, 2008 to Clay Gordon, Head Judge, at ClayGordon@PureOrigin.com.