AWARDS
2020 ACADEMY OF CHOCOLATE AWARDS
Valenza Chocolatier can add THREE MORE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS to their long list of accolades. In July 2020, The Academy of Chocolate, the World’s most prestigious fine chocolate competition, award Valenza Chocolatier two silvers and one bronze awards. Due to COVID-19, the awards ceremony in London was canceled.
Filled Chocolates - Nut Based: SILVER AWARD for PB+C BONBON
Filled Chocolates - Fruit, Floral, Spice, Herb & Infusion Ganache: SILVER AWARD for CUCIDATI TRUFFLE
Enrobed Fruit: BRONZE AWARD for THE FIG
2019 ACADEMY OF CHOCOLATE AWARDS
In addition to receiving SIX INTERNATIONAL AWARDS, Valenza Chocolatier has returned from London with the coveted 2019 INTERNATIONAL RISING STAR trophy from The Academy of Chocolate, the World’s most prestigious fine chocolate competition! Master Chocolatier Amy Jo participated in the 11th annual awards ceremony on Monday, July 22nd at London's iconic Claridge’s Hotel. This year, the competition saw a record-breaking 1,600 entries from over 46 countries, of which Valenza Chocolatier was the only winner from California in the entire 'Filled Chocolates' category and one of only six in the entire United States. The additional special award of 'International Rising Star' was presented to three fine chocolate companies located in Canada, Australia, and the United States of America (Valenza Chocolatier)!
Valenza Chocolatier’s Press Release: CLICK HERE
Article from Confectionery Production : CLICK HERE
Filled Chocolates - Fruit, Floral, Spice, Herb & Infusion Ganache:
SILVER AWARD: Espresso Bonbon
BRONZE AWARD: Blackberry Rosemary Bonbon
BRONZE AWARD: Clove Bonbon
Filled Chocolates - Alcohol Flavored:
BRONZE AWARD: Barolo Bonbon
Filled Chocolates - Nut Based:
BRONZE AWARD: Cremino Cappuccino Bonbon
Filled Chocolates - White Chocolate:
BRONZE AWARD: Limoncello Bonbon
2018 LA WOMEN IN CHOCOLATE - CHOCOLATIERS AWARD by THE INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE SALON & TASTE TV: Ranked #1 for Orange County & #2 for Southern California:
THE CHOCOLATIERS AWARD recipients are selected based on either having received numerous chocolate salon awards over the years, or having made a significant impact in the world of taste and chocolate, particularly in the Los Angeles area. It also spotlights the growing number of women entrepreneurs, chocolatiers, confectioners, and pastry chefs that the Los Angeles Area and Southern California has supported.
GOOD FOOD AWARDS 2017 WINNER - CONFECTIONS CATEGORY
We are extremely proud to announce our Barolo Bonbon is a 2017 Good Food Awards Winner. Chosen from 2,059 overall entrants from 38 different States, we are honored to be recognized for our commitment to pure flavor with the best sustainable ingredients with no added preservatives or additives.
2016 SIX STAR GRAND MASTER AWARD for BEST CHOCOLATIERS & CONFECTIONERS in AMERICA by THE INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE SALON & TASTE TV
- two consecutive years receiving this highest honor -
The International Chocolate Salon Awards for the Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in America are based on the combined total number of Gold and Silver Awards received by each entrant in the 2015 TasteTV Chocolate Salons in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Fall (SF) and standalone Chocolate Salon Award Competitions for Best Caramels, Toffees, Bars, Truffles, White Chocolate, Chefs Roundtable, and Best Bridal Chocolates. This is the highest honor only given to 12 out of 91 total award recipients. CLICK HERE to see complete list of winners.
2016 LA LUXURY CHOCOLATE SALON
- three consecutive years receiving this highest honor -
In addition to past honors, Valenza Chocolatier received first time GOLD for Top Artisan Chocolatier and Best Flavored Chocolates.
PB+C BAR - 2016 GOLD AWARD for BEST MIXED CHOCOLATE BAR by THE INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE SALON
2015 LA LUXURY CHOCOLATE SALON
Valenza Chocolatier® is proud of its accomplishments at the 2015 LA LUXURY CHOCOLATE SALON having received twenty awards in total, including second year in a row GOLD for BEST IN SALON ! With over twenty artisan chocolatiers and chocolate makers from Southern California participating, results were based on votes from industry judges, media, and attendees.
GOLD (11 Total): Best in Salon, Best Dark Chocolate, Best Milk Chocolate, Best Truffle, Most Luxurious Chocolate, Best Traditional Chocolates, Best Milk Chocolate Bar, Best Flavored Chocolate Bar, Best Presentation & Packaging, Most Gifted Chocolatier/Chocolate Maker, New Product Award
SILVER (7 Total): Top Artisan Chocolatier, Most Artistic Designs, Best Gift Set, Best Flavored Chocolate, Best Caramels, Best Organic or Fair Trade Chocolate Maker, Best Comfort Chocolate or Snack Product
BRONZE (2 Total): Most Delicious Ingredient Combinations, Best Dark Chocolate Bar
ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER's #1 PICK FOR 2015 'BEST OF OC' CHOCOLATIERS
2015 SILVER AWARD WINNER - INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE AWARDS AMERICAS COMPETITION
Valenza Chocolatier® is honored to announce the achievement of advancing to the World Final after recent success at the 2015 Americas Competition of the International Chocolate Awards in New York, NY. The World Final ceremony will take place on October 17 in London on the main stage at The Chocolate Show (Olympia National Hall), where owner and Certified Master Chocolatier Amy Jo (Valenza) Pedone will stand tall as the only one-woman United States business in the Nut Based Chocolate Category making a name for herself in the International Fine Chocolate World.
With the submission of only this product from their collection, Valenza Chocolatier® was awarded SILVER for their Maximo in the Nut/Gianduiotto category at the 2015 Americas Competition of the International Chocolate Awards. With this win, a formal invitation was granted for these handmade chocolates to journey across the World to compete at the World Final, specially against the Italians who are known for award winning Gianduiotti (Gianduia).
2015 SIX STAR GRAND MASTER AWARD for BEST CHOCOLATIERS & CONFECTIONERS in AMERICA by THE INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE SALON & TASTE TV
The International Chocolate Salon Awards for the Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in America are based on the combined total number of Gold and Silver Awards received by each entrant in the 2014 TasteTV Chocolate Salons in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Fall (SF) and standalone Chocolate Salon Award Competitions for Best Caramels, Toffees, Bars, Truffles, White Chocolate, Chefs Roundtable, and Best Bridal Chocolates. This is the highest honor only given to 18 out of 100 award recipients. CLICK HERE to see complete list of winners.
2014 LA LUXURY CHOCOLATE SALON
Valenza Chocolatier is proud of its accomplishments at the 2014 LA LUXURY CHOCOLATE SALON having received twenty-one awards in total, including GOLD for BEST IN SALON! With over twenty artisan chocolatiers and chocolate makers from Southern California participating, results were based on votes from industry judges, media, and attendees.
GOLD: Best in Salon, Best Gift Set, Best Milk Chocolate, Best White Chocolate Truffle, & Best White Chocolate Creation
SILVER: Best Truffle, Top Artisan Chocolatier, Most Luxurious Chocolate Experience, Best Traditional Chocolates, Best Dark Chocolate Bar, Best Milk Chocolate Bar, Best Caramels, Best Presentation & Packaging, & Best Organic or Fair Trade Products.
BRONZE: Most Delicious Ingredient Combinations, Most Artistic Designs, Best Flavored Chocolate, Best Flavored Chocolate Bar, Top Toffee in Salon, Most Gifted Chocolatier/Chocolate Maker, & New Product Award
2014 FIVE STAR AWARD for BEST CHOCOLATIERS & CONFECTIONERS in AMERICA by THE INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE SALON
The International Chocolate Salon Awards for the Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in America are based on the combined total number of Gold and Silver Awards received by each entrant in the 2013 TasteTV Chocolate Salons in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Fall (SF) and standalone Chocolate Salon Award Competitions for Best Caramels, Toffees, Bars, Truffles, White Chocolate, Chefs Roundtable, and Best Bridal Chocolates. CLICK HERE to see complete list of winners.
LIMONCELLO - 2014 GOLD AWARD for BEST WHITE CHOCOLATE by THE INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE SALON
2013 LA LUXURY CHOCOLATE SALON
After just five months of business, Valenza Chocolatier is proud of their accomplishments at the 2013 LA LUXURY CHOCOLATE SALON!
2013, 2014 & 2015 OFFICIAL ARTISAN CHOCOLATIER of GOLDEN FOODIE AWARDS
Exclusive "Bonbons of Gold" is a featured dessert at the 2013 & 2014 Golden Foodie Awards honoring the best Chefs, Restaurants, Food and Drinks in Orange County.
GOLD:
Best Comfort Chocolate
Best White Chocolate Truffle
SILVER:
Best Dark Chocolate
Best Truffle
Best Traditional Chocolates
Best Dark Chocolate Bar
New Product Award
Best Organic or Fair Trade Product
Best White Chocolate Creation
MOST GIFTED CHOCOLATIER
OC FAIR CULINARY ARTS COMPETITION
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 CONFECTIONS JUDGE
2014 BLUE RIBBON WINNERS - Confections
CARAMELLO
2014 BLUE RIBBON WINNERS - Confections
BOURBON BAR
2013 BLUE RIBBON WINNERS - Confections
TARTARUGA
PB + C BAR
2013 2nd Place WINNERS - Confections
Spumoni Bonbon
Classic Dark Chocolate Truffle
2014, 2015, & 2016 ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL EXCELLENCE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDS - NOMINEE
2014 & 2015 ORANGE COUNTY WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS - NOMINEE