The Italian qualifying rounds of the 2015 World Chocolate Masters, which were held at SIGEP in Rimini from 17 till 20 January, presented a champion. None less than Massimo Carnio of Pasticceria Villa Cedri in Valdobbiadene was chosen by the jury as his country’s major chocolate artisan. This means he’ll be representing Italy at the World Chocolate Masters final, which takes place at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris from 28 till 30 October 2015. (In italiano)

In total, ten competitors went head to head with each other to earn the much-coveted title of ‘Italian Chocolate Master’. Spurred on by this year’s ‘Inspiration from Nature’ theme, each competitor showed the extent of his/her creativity and chocolate mastery by making delicious moulded pralines, baking a delightful cake with nothing but day-fresh ingredients, designing a ‘Chocolate to go’ concept and erecting a compelling chocolate showpiece.

The jury had a tough time deciding on a winner. But this is what Italy’s top three looks like:

First place: Massimo Carnio
Second place: Sandy Astrali
Third place: Kim Kyunjoon

The awards per competition challenge were handed out to:

Best chocolate showpiece: Massimo Carnio
Best moulded praline: Massimo Carnio
Best Cake of the Day: Sandy Astrali
Best Chocolate to go: Kim Kyunjoon