A couple who launched their premium Welsh chocolate business a year ago have won a prestigious World Confectionery Award.
Pastry chefs Robin and Rosie Evans founded Epicurean Chocolatiers last September to meet the growing demand for premium artisan chocolates.
Established with a vision to create exceptional handcrafted chocolates using the finest ingredients, the company has rapidly evolved from a kitchen-table start-up into a luxury artisan brand supplying both consumers and luxury hospitality venues across the UK.
They have now been named as the Emerging Enterprise of the Year at the World Confectionery Awards.
The couple, who run their business from their workshop in Bala, North Wales, were presented with their award at the World Confectionery Conference on Thursday 10th September in London.
Robin, who grew up in Neston, Cheshire, has experience at prestigious establishments including The Ritz, Brown’s Hotel, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and the Chester Grosvenor Hotel, while. Rosie, from Llanidloes in mid-Wales, has specialist chocolate and pastry skills.
Epicurean Chocolatiers collections showcase Welsh provenance through ingredients such as Halen Môn sea salt, local honey, Welsh whisky and sparkling wine, paired with the world’s finest chocolate and flavourings. Their unique approach has created a distinctive brand identity that resonates strongly with customers seeking authentic, premium products.
As well as their exceptional chocolates and pralines, the couple have launched a range of jams, marmalades and spreads and Welsh honeycomb.
Robin, 26, said: “Rosie and I are absolutely delighted to receive such a prestigious award as this. Winning accolades like this, while very unexpected, make all the hard work that goes into creating a business while raising a young family so worthwhile.”
The World Confectionery Awards have been running for over five years and the category of Best Emerging Enterprise is designed for companies under five years old which are making their way in the sector. Judges praised the couple for their commitment to sustainable sourcing, in combination with a clear policy of local sourcing.
Neill Barston, Editor of Confectionery Production magazine, said: “One of the prime reasons we set up our World Confectionery Awards at our World Confectionery Conference was the very notion that we are celebrating success at all tiers of our industry.
“Robin and Rosie Evans of Epicurean Chocolatiers are a prime example of a young couple who are really passionate about their work, establishing a thriving business alongside their family life, so we commend them for the quality of their work, and wish them success in developing their venture in the months and years ahead.”
Epicurean Chocolatiers is also a finalist in the Made in Wales Awards and the Great British Food Awards.
