Marijn Coertjens’s imaginative and beautiful chocolate creations convinced the twelve jurors of the Belgian qualifier for the Cacao Barry World Chocolate Masters, held last February 24 at the Chocolate Academy Centre in Wieze.

Head of the chocolate team of The Peninsula Hotel, he surprised with his excellent technique and ability to add a narrative to his pieces, not exempt of a political message. It is said that Marijn has given a new dimension to the competition with his work, especially with the chocolate showpiece which tells the story of the Kayapo, an indigenous people in Brazil who defend their precious land in the Amazon rainforest against ranchers, loggers, and miners.

Besides placing first on the podium, the young pastry chef won two of the four individual awards: Best Sweet Snack on the Go and Best chocolate showpiece.

Second place went to Andy Verstraeten, successful also in the Best Cake of the Day category. And third place went to Bart Meremans, who won Best moulded praline.