Hinks will be the first ever female to represent the UK at the World Chocolate Masters Finals in 2013.
She was crowned UK Chocolate Master after three days of competition, held at London Olympia’s Speciality & Fine Food Fair.
Speaking at the finals, Hinks said: “It really hasn’t sunk in yet, I’ve been planning this since October last year, so it’s been constantly on my mind – I’m so relieved. I can’t thank my husband and the staff at CocoaBlack enough – at one point I was going to pull out of the competition, but they convinced me to stay in and I’m so glad they did. A huge congratulations to all the finalists, especially Alistair [Birt, Head Chocolatier at William Curley] who is such a talented individual.”
Hinks has secured her place at the World Chocolate Masters Finals in Paris in 2013, and will represent the UK at the international competition dedicated solely to the art of chocolate.
Commenting on the competition, head judge Gary Hunter, head of Culinary Arts, food & beverage service and hospitality at Westminster Kingsway College, said: I can’t stress just how close the result was, Ruth’s moulded pralines were excellent, as was her contemporary twist on a classic. This win is just the beginning of a fantastic journey for her. Congratulations.”
The three other finalists in the UK Chocolate Finals were runner up, head chocolatier for William Curley, Alistair Birt; owner of Liberty Boy Confections, Conor McAlonan; and head chef at Royal Air Force Officers Mess at RAF Leuchars, Richie Heppell.