Awards: Tell us about your work in chocolate and cacao.

Per: It all started 25 years ago in Stockholm where I live. I was listening to the radio and heard a chocolate expert talking about the benefits of real dark chocolate. The next day I visited the confectionery section of a department store and bought a handful of neapolitans from Michel Cluizel and Valrhona. After tasting I was hooked.

Five years later, interest in chocolate took off with the first chocolate festival at the Nordic Museum in Stockholm. I became a member of the non-profit chocolate organization Chokladakademien. The following year I discovered Martin Christy’s website Seventypercent.com, and became a member of the website forum. During Chocolate Week 2004 some of us forum members met at an event organized by Seventypercent.com. That was my first meeting with Martin. I continued my visits to Chocolate Week for ten years, participating in events arranged by Seventypercent.com.

The development in craft chocolate since the start of the International Chocolate Awards 2012 has been impressive. And CHOCOA in Amsterdam has established an interesting meeting place for the entire supply chain from cocoa growers to consumers. During the pandemic, the interest in chocolate was mostly shared on social media. What my contribution to the world of chocolate looks like in the future remains to be seen. Life is full of possibilities.

Awards: Can you tell us something about how you came to be judging chocolate, and what
led you to the International Chocolate Awards?

Per: I already had a genuine interest in trying chocolate bars and filled chocolates through countless chocolate tastings. My long-standing friendship with Martin Christy made me aware of the Awards from the very beginning.

Awards: What does it mean to you to be a member of the Grand Jury of the International
Chocolate Awards?

Per: I contribute to the geographical and culinary diversity of the jury. I also try to act as an ambassador for the competition.

Awards: Can you share a memory or anecdote from your time at the awards.

Per: A memory from that first year was when Maricel Presilla and Monica Meschini spontaneously started singing the chorus to a song by the Swedish group ABBA. A nice tribute to me and my homeland.

Awards: What are your particular interests as a judge, or the categories that interest you
most when judging?

Per: I have judged most types and categories over the years. I prefer dark chocolate bars but it is enriching to try other things, not least unknown flavors from other cultures.