Seventy% - Topic: Academy of chocolate awards controversy

Seventy% on Academy of chocolate awards controversy

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:31:36 +0000

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alex_h on Academy of chocolate awards controversy

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:46:52 +0000

I agree that something seems fishy, even if there is no systematic bias. I mean, William Curley is "UK chocolatier of the year" and a member of the AoC himself...

chocolatero on Academy of chocolate awards controversy

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:27:07 +0000

Check chocolate life website in the US where this debate has gone on freely.

chocolatero on Academy of chocolate awards controversy

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:33:42 +0000

I beleive too that there is no systematic bias but this does not excuse all the other potential risk of conflict of interest/impartiality/preferences due to carelessness that the Academy is not willing to address. There are so many of them, a few obvious ones: shapes/brands highly recognizeable, no one can properly taste 70 chocs in day, the more products/awards you enter and pay for -the more chances of winning, no standards of judging, no check that what is submitted is what is sold to customers, new awards and special awards given with no explanation of who/how decision is made, no policing on use of the awards for marketing some PR of brands participating etc etc etc.
The Academy has become a brand that benefits its club members through recognition as award winners or organisers/experts - many of whom have current or planned book deals. It makes me smile to see on their site that these awards are an important part of the international chocolate calendar. Clearly the Academy is more interested in getting recognized than ensuring fairness through increase membership, better organisation and professional attitude.
Before the Academy tries to become an event that chocolatiers in the world respect, it really needs to change at its core.
As long as they do not, every year the participation in the UK (where there is enough knowledge of the organisation) will erode.

chocolatero on Academy of chocolate awards controversy

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:50:34 +0000

This year artisan du chocolat has made the unpopular decision not to participate to the annual Academy of chocolate awards.
If you want to know why, have a look at our statement at
http://www.artisanduchocolat.com