INDUSTRY NEWS
World Chocolate Masters selects Antwerp for 2026 Grand Final
The World Chocolate Masters will hold its 2026 Grand Final in Antwerp, Belgium, on 26–27 October, marking the first time in the competition’s more than 20-year history that the event has been hosted outside Paris. Organised by Callebaut, the ninth edition will bring together 15 regional champions at Antwerp’s historic Handelsbeurs under the theme “Play & Taste”. The finalists will compete across five challenges
Divine Chocolate launches subscription service as part of direct-to-consumer offering
Divine Chocolate has unveiled a new flexible subscription service offering an easy and convenient way for consumers to receive its premium, Fairtrade products at a competitive price point, with a discount on every order. The new subscription service
helps consumers ensure that they never run out of their favourite Divine 35g and 90g flavours, with the benefit of free and fast delivery every one, two, or three months plus a standing discount of 10% off each subscription order. Subscriptions can be skipped, paused, or cancelled at any time. Divine has launched the new service as part of the evolution of its
direct-to-consumer offering, leaning into the growing demand for convenience and providing a simple route to repeat purchase while reinforcing the brand’s unique ethical and premium credentials. The subscription option follows the introduction of an online ‘bundle builder’ allowing consumers to save on a one-off order of their favourite flavours vs RRP, and will soon be joined by the launch of Divine Chocolate’s first ever customer loyalty scheme. Lydia Stubbins, Group Marketing Director at Divine Chocolate, said: “Our new subscription service is a natural next step as we continue to develop our relationship with consumers. It’s a genuinely useful proposition which offers great value and rewards the loyalty of our repeat customers.” Founded by cocoa farmers with an aim to raise both the bar and industry standards, all Divine Chocolate products are made using Fairtrade ingredients, including cocoa sourced from the Kuapa Kokoo farming cooperative in Ghana, who co-own the B Corp-certified business to this day. Subscription orders are sent via Divine Chocolate’s carbon-negative
warehouse using eco-friendly packaging materials, resulting in a delicious delivery that tastes good and does good.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 7
exploring chocolate artistry, flavour and innovation, with creations designed to reflect emerging trends across pastry and confectionery. Representing the UK and
Ireland will be Ian Mark, a chef with 18 years’ experience competing on culinary teams. His career includes multiple gold medals and accolades, work on Bake Off: Crème de la Crème and creating the official RAF centenary cake. The Handelsbeurs, originally
constructed in the 16th century as the world’s first purpose- built commodity exchange, was selected to reflect Antwerp’s long-standing role in
international cocoa trade and chocolate production. The “Play & Taste” theme challenges chefs to create
interactive, sensory chocolate experiences while exploring unexpected flavour combinations and less-processed ingredients linked to the growing demand for “healthy indulgence”. Callebaut said the competition aims to showcase talent while providing a platform for innovations expected to influence chocolate trends across the global industry.
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