Andrey Kanakin is a graduate of professional lyceum #344 in Moscow. He participated in several professional competitions, and his laurels include second place in the 2014 Moscow Craftsman Pastry Chef competition and a second place in the national qualifying round for the 2013 World Chocolate Masters.

Andrey considers his participation in the 2015 World Chocolate Masters as a good chance to assess his professional skills in comparison with the other contestants. His personal goal is to compete for the prize-winning places. Andrey’s long-term goal is to develop his own chocolate boutique concept.

Where does my passion for chocolate stem from?

When I started out with pastry, I soon found chocolate to be my favourite raw material. But it wasn’t until I followed a course with Stéphane Leroux that I absolutely fell in love with it and the limitless opportunities it presents.

Why do I participate in the World Chocolate Masters?

It's a big honour and a great opportunity to have been elected the winner of the Russian qualifying round and to participate in the 2015 World Chocolate Masters. It makes me grow, challenge myself and prove what I am capable of as a pastry chef.

How do I prepare for the World Chocolate Masters?

I'm searching for inspiration in nature, constantly training at the Chocolate Academy, and browsing a lot of recipes and techniques from great chefs all over the world.

How do I plan on convincing the jury members?

Hopefully the balanced flavours and the unique designs of my creations will convince the jury.

What do I hope to learn from this experience?

This experience will enable me to make new contacts and meet new people. I hope to learn how to organise myself for contests of the same calibre.