Emma Preisig crowned 2025 UK & Ireland Junior Chocolate Master

news

28/07/2025

We are thrilled to announce Emma Preisig, Chef De Partie at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, as our 2025 Junior Chocolate Master.

On Thursday, 24 July 2025, at the UK Chocolate Academy centre in Banbury, Emma Preisig took the crown as 2025 UK & Ireland Junior Chocolate Master, following a seven hour final comprising of three assignments—all built around this year’s theme: “Best of British”

This 11th edition of the Junior Chocolate Masters challenges talented chocolatiers aged 18–25 to conceive creative visions grounded in British heritage, flavours, art, culture, and produce. The theme is intended celebrate traditional British flavours given a modern twist—emphasising local sourcing, sustainability, and multicultural inspiration.

Emma's Creations received fantastic feedback from our judges - here is a breakdown of her assignments:

The British Bonbon - ‘Fancy a Cuppa?!’

Callebaut 811 Dark Chocolate bon bon filled with a Bergamot Caramel Fudge, Pink Grapefruit Pate de Fruit, Earl Grey Ganache, Sable Breton

The Plated Dessert - Fields of Gold.

Milk Chocolate Cremeux, Milk Chocolate, Malt and Grue Crumble, Buckwheat Tuille, Wild British Berry Puree, Glazed Jersey Honey Yellow Raspberries, Parsnip Ice Cream, Chocolate ‘root’ and Meadowsweet.

The Edible Centrepiece - Time for a Tea Break

Edible components - Rice Crispy and Toasted Almond Dark Chocolate base, chocolate wheels, White Chocolate and Raspberry Tea Cup and Pot, Gold Wheat Sheaf Pods, Gold Chocolate for the Wheat Stems, White Chocolate Feathers and leftover elements from previous assignments within the piece- crumble, caramel/fudge, ganache

Emma shares her experience

Following her win, we asked Emma for her thoughts on the day and what it meant to take the title. She reflected:

"It’s still taking a while for the news to sink in and I don’t think I’ll ever quite believe it! It’s been such an amazing opportunity and experience that has been so invaluable. I have learnt so much throughout the process, whilst meeting some amazing people along the way. Particularly meeting all of the finalists who are likeminded individuals that are passionate about chocolate; it was a pleasure to share the kitchen with them and the journey of the competition.

It’s been a whirlwind of emotions over the past 6 months of practice, research, testers and plenty of ideas. The competition has really helped me to push myself to learn so many new skills and gain knowledge to achieve something I really never thought would be possible.

The whole team at the Callebaut Chocolate Academy have been so supportive throughout the process and preparations leading up to the final and really made all of us finalists feel at ease on the day.
It really feels like a pinch me moment and an achievement that means so much both personally and professionally- an experience I will never forget!"

The application process for Junior Chocolate Masters 2026 will begin in December with the 12th Edition of the competition being held in July 2026.