{ "title": "The World Chocolate Masters selects Antwerp and historic Handelsbeurs for 2026 Grand Final ", "modified_at": "2026-09-08 09:27:43", "published_at": "2026-09-08 09:27:00", "url": "https://callebaut-world-chocolate-masters.prezly.com/the-world-chocolate-masters-selects-antwerp-and-historic-handelsbeurs-for-2026-grand-final", "short_url": "http://prez.ly/ciOd", "culture": "en", "language": "EN", "subtitle": "Leaving Paris for the first time in its 20-plus year history, the 9th edition of the world\u2019s premier chocolate competition brings 15 global finalists to Belgium under the theme \"Play & Taste.\" ", "slug": "the-world-chocolate-masters-selects-antwerp-and-historic-handelsbeurs-for-2026-grand-final", "body": "

Antwerp, Belgium – 08 September 2026 – The World Chocolate Masters, the premier global competition for chocolate artistry and innovation, has officially announced that its 2026 Grand Final will take place on October 26–27 in Antwerp, Belgium. Marking the first time since its founding in 2005 that the global event will be hosted outside of Paris, the Grand Final will transform Antwerp’s iconic Handelsbeurs into the global epicenter of pastry and confectionery design.

Organized by Callebaut, the 2026 Grand Final brings together 15 regional champions who earned their places through rigorous global qualifiers. Over two intense days, these chefs will compete in a high-stakes culinary showcase that defines the global chocolate trends of tomorrow.

A historic stage for chocolate innovation

For this 9th edition, Callebaut selected Antwerp’s historic Handelsbeurs as the venue - the world’s first purpose-built commodity exchange, originally constructed in the 16th century. Widely celebrated as the historic birthplace of global commerce, this neo-Gothic architectural jewel features soaring vaulted arcades and historic canvas world maps. The venue naturally mirrors Antwerp’s centuries-old legacy as the international crossroads where cocoa was first imported, traded, and elevated into world-class craftsmanship.

"Antwerp has a long and sweet history, and an even sweeter future,” says Els van Doesburg, Mayor of Antwerp. “More than any other city, we can lay claim to the title of 'Chocolate Capital': with our port being the largest distribution centre of cacao and with the country's first chocolate factory that was built right here. With the World Chocolate Masters coming to our city, we can finally celebrate and showcase that past, pride and craftmanship to the world."
"Bringing this prestigious competition here highlights our city’s enduring appeal as a top-tier culinary destination," adds Koen Kennis, Alderman for Tourism. "Chocolate is woven deeply into the fabric of our local tourism experience, and we look forward to welcoming the global pastry community to discover everything Antwerp has to offer."

"Play & Taste": Defining the future of healthy indulgence

This edition’s central theme, “Play & Taste,” challenges finalists to reimagine chocolate as an interactive, emotional, and sensory experience. Contestants will explore avant-garde techniques, unexpected flavor pairings, and fresh, less-processed ingredients that directly address the growing demand for "healthy indulgence"- a key macro trend currently reshaping the global pastry landscape.

To claim the title of World Chocolate Master and follow in the footsteps of 2022 champion Lluc Crusellas (Spain), chefs will compete across five distinct culinary challenges. These range from crafting fresh chocolate cakes expressing movement and bespoke bonbons paying homage to local heritage, to engineering monumental, high-concept chocolate sculptures designed for both taste and visual storytelling. \u200b

Antwerp as the stage for chocolate innovation

What Fashion Week is to couture, the World Chocolate Masters is to confectionery. The creations developed on stage at the Handelsbeurs will inspire the entire industry and find its way into artisan boutiques, luxury patisseries, and high-street chocolateries worldwide in the years to come.

"Hosting the World Chocolate Masters in Antwerp is a deliberate choice to connect our brand’s century-old Belgian legacy with a city that breathes creativity, innovation and gastronomy," says Martin Diez, Sr. Director of the Callebaut Global Chocolate Academy. "Under the theme 'Play & Taste,' 15 exceptional chefs will inspire the entire industry and will set the tone for global chocolate trends, proving that taste is where innovation begins."

The World Chocolate Masters is organized by Callebaut, the renowned Belgian chocolate producer, as a testament to its commitment to championing talent and shaping the future of chocolate experiences through the power of taste.

Contact

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\n Amélie Vanden Berghe\n Weber Shandwick\n \n
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