Chocotenango takes Bronze at International Chocolate Awards 2015

DC based chocolatier wins with spicy milk chocolate bar.

Washington, DC (July 15, 2015) – Chocotenango, a locally based artisanal chocolate company, created by Master Chocolatier Ismael Neggaz was awarded a bronze medal at the International Chocolate Awards 2015 (Americas and Asia Pacific region), in the milk chocolate with inclusion or pieces category, for their milk chocolate bar with nutmeg, red pepper chili and sea salt.

The International Chocolate Awards is an independent competition recognizing excellence in fine chocolate making and in products made with fine chocolate. The results were announced on June 30 in Hoboken, New Jersey after a panel of esteemed judges including food writers, cacao and chocolate experts, journalists, bloggers, chefs and chocolate tasters from Europe, Japan, South America and the United States tasted and rated chocolates sent in from around the world. Top honors in the category were given to Japan’s chocolatier es koyoma. Additional silver and bronze prizes were awarded due to the high number of entries and excellent quality level.

Ismael mastered his love of chocolate while living in Guatemala. Here he created over a hundred of his own recipes incorporating flavors from around the world. Recipes reflective of his background and a life lived on four continents. His unique recipes embrace ingredients like cardamom, rose water, and chili pepper.

Familiar with recognition from the industry, Chocotenango was awarded first place at the 13th International Gastronomy Festival of Guatemala in 2008. Last year, Neggaz placed seventh in the “Chocolatier of the Year” competition at Pastry Live, a three day event highlighting the latest pastry talents. Neggaz heads to Atlanta on August 23 to compete for the 2015 title.

Chocotenango products are produced in Washington, DC and can be purchased online as well as found at boutique shops and farmers markets in the area.

About Chocotenango

Chocotenango, founded by Master Chocolatier Ismael Neggaz in 2005, offers a range of small batch, artisanal, hand-made chocolates including truffles, molded chocolates, bars, bean to bar, chocolate covered fruits and nuts and hot cocoa mix made using only the freshest ingredients with no artificial flavorings, coloring or preservatives. Chocotenango’s flavors are bold, both savory and sweet, and never overwhelming. A native of Algeria, Neggaz brings with him over twenty years of culinary expertise. 2619 Evarts St. NE, Washington, DC 20018, 617-595-0330, www.chocotenango.com.