On the eve of the Italian final of the World Chocolate Masters, Martina Presta of ice cream shop Yogust couldn’t be more eager to go head to head with her competitors. The runner-up of the regional qualifying rounds in Castellammare di Stabia earned herself the award for best moulded praline, and there’s no way telling what this creative and talented chocolatier will do next to impress the jury in Rimini. High time we had a little chat with her.

WCM Communications Team: What does it take to prepare for a national final of the World Chocolate Masters?

Martina: “For me, preparing for the Italian final of the World Chocolate Masters meant giving all of myself, both mentally and physically, to achieve my goal. I took me hours of preparations and planning, which I have done mostly at night as not to give up on work. It also took me hours of travelling to find the right ingredients and to merge completely with my ideas. And whenever people ask me when I find the time to sleep, I tell them I’ll have time to sleep after the competition.”

WCM Communications Team: Is there a master chocolatier that inspires you?

Martina: “Stéphane Leroux. He has a creative mind, just like me. I consider him a great teacher and a true source of inspiration.”

WCM Communications Team: What are your feelings on the eve of the Italian final of the World Chocolate Masters?

Martina: “I’m very excited. I haven’t shied away from any of the competition challenges and going head to head with the finest chocolatiers in Italy is the best way to get in the game.”

WCM Communications Team: Thanks for the chat, Martina. Don't forget to go all out in Rimini tomorrow!

Martina: “Oh, don't worry! I will!”