The competitors will have eight hours to create and present three assignments to the professional judging panel, each representing the World Chocolate Masters 2018 theme, ‘Futropolis’.
Robert Harrison, sales director gourmet - northern Europe, Barry Callebaut, said: “The World Chocolate Masters is the only global competition dedicated to the individual creativity of chocolatiers and pastry chefs with a focus on chocolate. It is however, far more than a competition – it offers chefs a platform to experiment, to push boundaries and showcase their talent."
The finalists are: Sarah Frankland, head pastry chef, Pennyhill Park; Stephen Espouy, executive pastry chef, Royal Yacht Britannia; Ian Mark, chef, Royal Air Force; Martin Chiffers, Chiffers International Pastry Consultancy; Quentin Bechard, chef de partie, Yautcha Hakkasan London and winner of the UK Junior Chocolate Masters 2015; and Barry Johnson, lecturer at London Southbank Bakery College and ex-head chocolatier at Rococo Chocolates.
The UK & Ireland final will take place at Westminster Kingsway College in London on October 9th.