Awards
Cocoa Black Wins 'Confectioner of the Year' Award (Sep 2011)
Cocoa Black has been named as the UK's 'Confectioner of the Year' 2011. The award was presented to Ruth Hinks by host and TV presenter Richard Madeley at the Park Lane Hilton in London. The judges were impressed by the "magic and inspiration" Ruth brings to everything she does, adding that the industry needs innovation from people who “push back the boundaries, both in terms of the offer they create and the products themselves.”
Cocoa Black Awarded ‘Account Managed’ Status by Scottish Enterprise (May 2011)
Cocoa Black has been awarded ‘Account Managed’ status by Scottish Enterprise. The company was selected for the programme as a result of its rapid growth during its first two years of trading, its high growth potential and capacity for rapid expansion into overseas markets. Scottish Enterprise have appointed a team of specialist external advisers who are working with Cocoa Black directors to appoint a board and to establish an international growth strategy.
Cocoa Black Wins 'Best Chocolates' at the 2010 UK Chocolate Masters (Oct 2010)
In 2010, Cocoa Black luxury handmade chocolates were awarded first prize at the UK Chocolate Masters competition. The Chocolate Masters is the World's premier culinary competition devoted to the art of chocolate. The judging was undertaken by a panel of professional chocolatiers. Ruth’s winning chocolates were 'The Flavour' - a raspberry pate de fruit with Cuban ganache and 'The Passion' - a tropical caramel with passionfruit ganache. Both chocolates are available in Cocoa Black’s Signature Selection.
Cocoa Black's Chocolatier Wins Gold at Culinary Olympics
Ruth Hinks, Cocoa Black's head chocolatier and pastry chef recently competed in the International Exhibition of Culinary Art (also known as the IKA or culinary Olympics.) The culinary Olympics are the biggest culinary exhibition in the world and represent the ultimate competitive challenge for professional chefs. Held every four years in Germany, the competition attracts over 1,500 chefs from around the world who compete in national teams. As a previous winner of 'Australian Pastry Chef of the Year', Ruth was selected as the pastry chef for the Australian teams in 2000 and 2004. In 2004, Ruth won a gold, silver and two bronze medals for her chocolate and pastry work.
Cocoa Black Wins 'New Business of the Year' Award (Mar 2011)
Cocoa Black has been named as "New Business of the Year" 2011. The annual competition is sponsored and judged by Business Gateway, the government's business advisory group. In receiving the award, Cocoa Black wishes to thank all of its customers and staff. The company also gratefully acknowledges the continued support of Business Gateway without which this award would not have been possible.
Cocoa Black Finalist 'Independent Retailer of the Year' Award (Mar 2011)
Cocoa Black was named as a finalist in the category "Independent Retailer of the Year" sponsored by the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce. The company first began selling chocolate products through Harvey Nichols stores nationwide. In 2010, Cocoa Black took the decision to open its first shop in Peebles, near Edinburgh. The Cocoa Black shop has been finished to give the look and feel of a traditional French style patisserie. It sells Cocoa Black's range of luxury handmade chocolates, celebration cakes, patisserie and coffee. In September 2011, Cocoa Black announced plans to expand its retail space through the acquisition of neighbouring premises.
Chocolate School Awarded 4-Stars by Visit Scotland (Sep 2009)
The Cocoa Black Chocolate & Pastry School in Peebles, near Edinburgh, Scotland, has recently been awarded 4-star (Excellent) by the tourist authority VisitScotland. The school, which offers chocolate making and pastry courses for beginners through to professional chef and chocolatiers regularly attracts participants from across the UK and overseas.