World Chocolate Masters Grand Final heads to Antwerp in 2026

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.

Global competition moves outside Paris for first time since its 2005 founding.

The World Chocolate Masters, a global competition for chocolate artistry and innovation, announced its 2026 Grand Final will take place on October 26–27 in Antwerp, Belgium. This marks the first time since its establishment in 2005 that the global event will be hosted outside of Paris, transforming Antwerp’s Handelsbeurs into a central point for pastry and confectionery design. Organised by Callebaut, the 2026 Grand Final will feature 15 regional champions who qualified through global competitions.

Ian Mark, a chef with 18 years of experience competing on culinary teams, including achieving numerous gold medals and accolades, for Bake Off: Crème de la Crème, and creating the official RAF centenary cake, will represent the UK and Ireland at this year’s global final.

Antwerp’s historic Handelsbeurs, selected as the venue for this ninth edition, was originally constructed in the 16th century as the world’s first purpose-built commodity exchange. The neo-Gothic building is recognised as a birthplace of global commerce, and its features reflect Antwerp’s centuries-old legacy as an international crossroads for cocoa.

Els van Doesburg, Mayor of Antwerp, said: “Antwerp has a long and sweet history, and an even sweeter future,” adding, “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.” Koen Kennis, Alderman for Tourism, stated: “Bringing this prestigious competition here highlights our city’s enduring appeal as a top-tier culinary destination,” and added, “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.”

The central theme for this edition, “Play & Taste,” challenges finalists to redefine chocolate as an interactive, emotional, and sensory experience. Contestants will explore avant-garde techniques, unexpected flavour pairings, and fresh, less-processed ingredients to address the demand for “healthy indulgence.” To win the title of World Chocolate Master, following 2022 champion Lluc Crusellas from Spain, chefs will compete across five distinct culinary challenges.

These challenges include crafting fresh chocolate cakes that express movement, bespoke bonbons that honour local heritage, and monumental chocolate sculptures designed for both taste and visual storytelling.

The creations developed at the Handelsbeurs are expected to inspire the industry and influence artisan boutiques, luxury patisseries, and high-street chocolateries globally in the coming years.

Martin Diez, Sr. Director of the Callebaut Global Chocolate Academy, commented: “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,” He further added, “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 organised by Callebaut, a Belgian chocolate producer, as part of its commitment to championing talent and shaping future chocolate experiences.