NEWS

20 November 2007

The ‘Most delicious Bonbon of the Netherlands’ is awarded! On Tuesday 20th November, at the Margriet Winter Fair in the Netherlands, the jury decided that the winner was Mr Hein Geers of Huize Geers (Tilburg). Along with the title, Geers wins a trip for two people to Costa Rica, where a cocoa-plantation will be visited. Also the public chose a winner: Mr Jan Willem Jansen of Patisserie De Rouw (Vught).

Five finalists competed in the last round for the title, after they had beaten their colleagues in two earlier rounds of the contest. Belcolade, producer of high-quality chocolate for professionals, initiated this competition and made it open to all professional chocolatiers in the Netherlands.

Belcolade's aim was to stimulate the chocolatier profession in The Netherlands and broaden the interest for this beautiful profession with the public.

High level
The number of entries to the competition was very high: 38 different bonbons were submitted in the first round with the aim to reach the semi-finals. The level and quality of the entries were extremely high. Therefore, the judging was not easy for the expert jury.

The jury consisted of:
- Colette Beyne: Culinary editor of the magazine Margriet, The Netherlands
- Dominique Persoone: Shock-O-Latier of The Chocolate Line in Brugge, Belgium
- Paul Fagel: Owner-Chef of the "Het Arsenaal" in Naarden, The Netherlands, and President of the Koksgilde.
- Robèrt van Beckhoven: Patissier and co-founder of the Dutch Patisserie Team.

The bonbons were assessed on originality, number and correct usage of techniques, appearance, the balance and structure of the filling, and above all on taste.

During the semi-final, the participants had to make their bonbons at Belcolade in Belgium, under the spot-light of the jury, journalists and spectators within the Belcolade demonstration centre. Eventually five finalists were chosen to demonstrate one full day at the Margriet Winter Fair in Utrecht (the Netherlands).

Robèrt van Beckhoven, President of the jury, "Mr Geers had won the title of "The most delicious bonbon of The Netherlands" because of the great taste combination he used. The technique he used was not easy, but Mr. Geers managed to create an almost perfect bonbon. The bonbon he created was sublime, almost perfect.

Concerning his victory, Mr Geers said "I really hadn't expected it, but of course, once you are in the finals you hope that you are going to win! I am very pleased and proud. I will enjoy my journey to Costa Rica!"

His victory also makes Mr Geers the president of the jury of next year's The most delicious Bonbon of the Netherlands.

Marc van Hulst, General Manager of Belcolade NL, underlined the choice for the Margriet Winter Fair. "This event for the finals was the perfect opportunity to stimulate the profession of chocolatier and to enable the general public to experience delicious chocolate. The visitors of the Winter Fair tasted with great enthusiasm, cast their votes, and appreciated the competition with real admiration for the finalists and their individual demonstrations and results."

	Hans Hulsof, Dominique Persoone, Colette Beyne, Paul Fagel, Robèrt van Beckhoven, Gerben den Hartog. First row: Hein Geers, Hans Ansems, Jan Willem Jansen.

For further information:
www.lekkerstebonbon.nl