Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plan to be available for the competition if I am selected as a finalist?
When submitting your application, be sure to plan time to compete in the final round the first weekend of May 2012 (4-6th). Finalists will be contacted the week of January 23, 2012 and travel arrangements will be made. Barry Callebaut will do its best to get everyone home Sunday night (May 6).
When do I need to send my gateau de voyage and spreadable paste for the selection?
Your application, the finished gateau de voyage and finished spreadable paste need to arrive at the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy in Chicago on January 12, 2012 or January 13, 2012. Applications sent before or after these dates will not be accepted.
Can my gateau de voyage or spreadable paste recipes differ from the gateaux and paste that I will present during the finals?
No. The gateaux du voyage and spreadable paste that you present during the finals must be the exact same recipes that you submit with your application in January.
Can I use another brand of chocolate or chocolate product?
No. All chocolate and chocolate products must be Cacao Barry brand with the exception of colored cocoa butter that can be used for your chocolate showpiece during the finals.
Can I bring my ingredients scaled/weighed for the finals?
Yes. Finalists are allowed to bring ingredients scaled/weighed to the competition but they must be clearly labeled and cannot be combined with other ingredients. All ingredients must be scaled and labeled separately.
Is there a theme to the competition?
No, we leave this up to your imagination and creativity.
What are finalists responsible for in regard to dishes and ingredients?
Finalists are responsible for bringing all ingredients used in their recipes, except Cacao Barry products, which we will provide. Finalists are also responsible for bringing their own dishes.
Do you have any additional questions or concerns?
If you have additional questions or concerns regarding Cacao Barry's L'Art du Chocolatier Challenge 2012, please send an e-mail to: ashley_guido@barry-callebaut.com.
Will chocolate products for the competition be provided?
Yes, we will ask each of the selected contestants to provide us their chocolate order (quantities needed in recipes) at least 2 weeks before the competition. Your chocolate will be available when you arrive.
Why does my gateau de voyage and spreadable paste need to be presented in packaging?
The packaging will not be the main focus of the judging criteria. The idea of a gateau de voyage or "travel cake" is that it is an item that would be purchased and taken away and therefore would require packaging.
For my application submission, do I need to ship my gateau de voyage and spreadable paste in their final packaging?
No, the gateau and the spreadable paste do not need to be shipped in the final packaging. How the items are shipped is up to the discretion of the contestant.
During the final competition, how much time will I have to spend on each item?
Each finalist will have 6 hours to complete their showpiece, chocolate tablets and chocolate pastries. The finalists must organize their time accordingly. Once finalists are selected, they will be notified and given more precise details for the times of the competition.
If I am selected for the finals, how far will I need to move my showpiece to the display?
The maximum distance between the finalist's work station and the display table will be no more than 150 feet/45.73 meters.
If I am selected for the finals, can I bring any items pre-baked?
No. No product can be made before the competition for the original chocolate pastry or chocolate tablet, including pre-baked items, decorations, etc. Only the gateau de voyage, spreadable paste, and components of the showpiece are allowed to be prepared before the competition.
During the final competition, will Barry Callebaut provide plates or platters for the tasting portions of the competition?
No, each finalist will need to provide a plate(s) or platter(s) for their original chocolate pastries and chocolate tablets that will be tasted by the judging panel.
If selected for the finals, how long should I plan to be away?
Competition timeline is still being worked out but definitely plan to fly out Friday, May 4 and return home Sunday, May 6. Barry Callebaut will do its best to get everyone home Sunday night. (Remember Barry Callebaut will be booking your travel)
If you have additional questions or concerns regarding Cacao Barry's L'Art du Chocolatier Challenge 2010, please send an e-mail to: alexandra_urbe@barry-callebaut.com
