"Best of Show" Competition

Join us at the California Chocolate Expo's Awards Ceremony during our expo at 6:00 PM, where the spotlight will shine on extraordinary chocolate creations. The ceremony promises an exciting celebration of talent and innovation in the world of chocolate crafting. 

Each category winner will be officially recognized as the "Best of Show" in their respective category, an honor that speaks to their exceptional skill and creativity in the art of chocolate. The winners will receive a certificate marking their outstanding achievement in their chosen category. 

The winning entries will enjoy a prominent display on a dedicated poster at the California Chocolate Expo. The poster will showcase the victorious creations, allowing attendees to admire the artistry and excellence behind each winning chocolate masterpiece. 

Category winners will bask in the limelight with exclusive promotional features on various event-related platforms. This recognition extends the reach of their success, providing them with valuable exposure and acknowledgment within the chocolate-loving community. 

All category winners will receive day-of notification of their award and will be given two complimentary tickets to the event. 

The California Chocolate Expo's awards ceremony is not just a moment of triumph; it's a celebration of passion, skill, and the extraordinary world of chocolate craftsmanship. 

• Applications for the Redding competition are due by October 15th.
• Applications for the Santa Rosa competition are due by February 15th.
•  Participants must be 18 years or older, reflecting our commitment to recognizing the talents of experienced chocolatiers. 
• The competition is open to professionals and amateurs alike 
• Food submissions for the Redding competition must be dropped off by November 7th.
• Food submissions for the Santa Rosa competition must be dropped off by March 6th.
• Mailed entries for the Redding competition must be shelf-stable and must arrive by November 7th.
• Mailed entries for the Redding competition must be shelf-stable and must arrive by March 6th.
• The location and drop-off time will be communicated to contestants once confirmed.
• Contestants must provide six samples of each entry for judging.
• Samples must be labeled ONLY with the contestants entry number. There may be no other indication of who contributed the sample on the package.

• A nominal $20 fee accompanies each entry, supporting the organization of this exceptional event.
• Contestants may submit as many entries as they like, with each entry requiring a separate $20 fee.
• Each entry must belong to a single category.
• Entry fees are not eligible for a refund.
• Payment of your entry fee will confirm your participation in the competition.
• All payments for the Redding competition are due October 25th, 2026.
• All payments for the Santa Rosa competition are due February 25th, 2027.
• Late payments for the Redding competition will be accepted until November 6th, 2026 and will have a surcharge of $10.
• Late payments for the Santa Rosa competition will be accepted until March 5th, 2027 and will have a surcharge of $10.
• Once your application is approved, you will receive the information for paying your entry fee via Square link, cash, check or money order.

• Submissions will be judged by a panel.
• The judging process will be blind, and judges will evaluate entries based on balance of flavors, complexity of flavors, flavory harmony, palatability, uniqueness, texture, consistency, creativity, innovation, presentation, appeal, synergy, craftsmanship, and overall quality.
• Once your application is approved, you will be assigned a label number for your entry.
• Public tastings of the competition entries will not be available. The judging process is reserved for the panel.