Chocolatiers and chocolate enthusiasts from across France and the far corners of the cocoa-producing world will soon converge on Paris for the Salon du Chocolat, which takes place at Porte de Versailles from October 31 to November 4, 2012.
This 18th edition of the annual gourmand event will feature more than 12,000 square metres of show space devoted to chocolate in all its forms.
Some 400 leading chocolatiers from around the world, among which more than 200 internationally renowned pastry chefs, will be on hand to present their chocolate creations, with plenty of tastings, samples and demonstrations throughout the five-day extravaganza.
The theme this year is “New Worlds of Chocolate,” with a focus on “new flavours, new countries, new ways of eating and new talent.”
Indeed, the global appetite for chocolate continues to grow, notably in Asia, South America and India.
Lectures, workshops and competitions are also part of the show, along with book signings (Patrick Roger, Christophe Michalak, Philippe Conticini, Christophe Felder…) and the famous chocolate fashion show.
As in previous editions, many of the biggest names in French chocolate and confectionery will have stands at the Salon, including Jean-Paul Hévin, Franck Kestener, Arnaud Larher, François Pralus, Sadaharu Aoki and Henri Le Roux.
Among the many new participants this year are Le Cacaotier (Hubert Masse), Bernachon Pâtisserie Chocolaterie and Frédéric Cassel.
First held in Paris in 1995, the Salon du Chocolat has grown with each passing year. Today there are 24 national and international editions.
This year’s Paris edition, the biggest ever, is expected to draw upwards of 130,000 visitors.
Chocolate shows will also be held in 2012/2013 in Bordeaux, Cannes, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, New York, Salvador de Bahia, Bologna, Cairo, Lima, London, Seoul, Shanghai, Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, Fukuoka, Zurich, with more cities planned.
What: Salon du Chocolat 2012 (Paris Chocolate Show)
Where: VIPARIS Porte de Versailles, Pavilions 5/2 and 5/3
When: October 31 to November 4, 2012
Métro: Porte de Versailles or Balard
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Admission: Adults, 13 euros; children 3 to 12 years, 6.50 euros; Free for children under 3.For more information, visit the Salon du Chocolat official website.
