The International Chocolate Awards announced the winners of the 2019 Americas Bean-to-Bar and Chocolatier Competition, hosted in New York.
With chocolate makers and chocolatiers from North, Central, and South America competing in this year’s event, Tucson-based Monsoon Chocolate won 14 awards.
“There aren’t that many chocolatiers out there who also manufacture their own chocolate — so I think that helps distinguish us,” said Adam Krantz, head chocolate maker, chocolatier, and founder of Monsoon Chocolate. “We’re very dedicated to our craft and we have uncompromising standards.”
Monsoon was recognized with a total of four bronze, seven silver, one gold, and two special awards as follows:
Gold
- Ganaches or truffles using mixed dark/milk/white for coating and fillings – Pepper Rose Bon Bon
Silver
- White chocolate bars with an infusion or flavoring – Mesquite White Chocolate Bar
- Ganaches or truffles using mixed dark/milk/white for coating and fillings – Caramelized White Chocolate Truffle; Blueberry Oat Cardamom Bon Bon
- Dark chocolate enrobed caramels – Mezcal Caramel; Prickly Pear Caramel
- Flavored dark chocolate ganaches or truffles – Basil Strawberry Bon Bon; Whiskey Del Bac Dorado Bon Bon
Bronze
- White chocolate bars with an infusion or flavoring – Blue Corn Atole White Chocolate Bar
- Ganaches or truffles using mixed dark/milk/white for coating and fillings – Blood Orange Dulce de Leche Bon Bon
- Flavored dark chocolate ganaches or truffles – Peppermint Dark Chocolate Truffle; Sonoran Sea Salt Truffle
Special
- White chocolate bars with an infusion or flavoring (Gastronomic) – Blue Corn Atole White Chocolate Bar
- Dark chocolate enrobed caramels (Alcohol) – Mezcal Caramel
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bww4xkageEn/
“I also think that we’re fortunate to be based in the Southwest,” Krantz said. “We have a beautiful foodshed to draw inspiration from and so many other great local producers that we get to work with, like Hamilton Distillers or Exo Roast Co.”
For more information on the awards, visit internationalchocolateawards.com.
Monsoon Chocolate is located at 234 E. 22nd St. For more information, visit monsoonchocolate.com.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
