Callebaut launches competition to visit its cocoa plantation

Chocolate company Callebaut has launched its For The Love Of Chocolate challenge, where caterers will have the opportunity to win a visit to a cocoa plantation in Ghana.

To enter, chefs, chocolatiers and patissiers must create an imaginative twist on one of the nation's top-five chocolate desserts: brownie, cheesecake, cake, pudding and ice-cream.

Robert Harrison, sales director for Callebaut, said: "The foodservice industry thrives on innovation, so we're really looking forward to seeing what chefs come up with and rewarding the best of the best with a trip to one of our plantations. It really is a unique prize and one we're incredibly proud to be able to offer - who wouldn't want to see where the chocolate journey begins."

Following the judging process, two lucky caterers - one under 22 years old and one over - will be rewarded with an accompanied four-night, all-expenses-paid trip to learn more about the origins of chocolate.

Beverley Dunkley, head of Callebaut's Chocolate Academy, has already created contemporary twists on the top five desserts, including triple chocolate brownie, raspberry and lime cheesecake and chocolate and banana sundae, to help caterers get creative.

"There are so many interesting uses for chocolate," adds Harrison. "And strong consumer demand means there will always be a place for chocolate on menus, but caterers really need to expand their offering with wow-factor dishes to keep customers coming back for more."

The competition is open between 5 January and midnight on 1 March 2015. Visit Callebaut's website for details.