Press release Xavier Berger wins the ³French Chocolate Masters´ competition. Paris/France/October 29th, ± Xavier Berger from Tarbes, has won this year's 2010 national selection for the World Chocolate Masters. This talented ³chocolatier´ was delighted when the jury announced he as the representative of France in the 2011 world finals of the World Chocolate Masters. Sophie Laugel from Hochfelden, obtained the 2nd prize. Paul Chauvaux from Paris came third. The 2011 Chocolate Masters competition was built around the theme of "Cocoa, Quetzalcoatl¶s gift". The highlight of the competition was the creation of a series of impressive and very beautiful chocolate showpieces, which took visitors, back to the mystical origins of chocolate and the cocoa bean. The highly skilled, creative chocolate talents impressed the jury with their showpieces, pralines and pastries. The jury of the 2011 pre-selection comprised some of 15 most famous chocolate and pastry chefs such as Christophe Rhedon and Laurent Duchene and also famous journalists such as Frank Lacroix and Alain Urbain. The jury president was Jean Paul Hévin. Fréderic Trombert, Sales Director Barry Callebaut France, says that ³ we should be very proud to have such talented candidates and that Xavier Berger representing us at the Final of the World Chocolate Masters. Xavier Berger worked in his shop in Tarbes where he continue to pursue his passion of learning more about the art of chocolate and pastry in preparation for the worldwide competition where he will face off against 19 other National Chocolate Masters from around the world in Paris in October 2011 Barry Callebaut (www.barry-callebaut.com): The World Chocolate Masters is an initiative of the Gourmet brands of Barry Callebaut Group. With annual sales of about CHF 5, 2 billion for fiscal year 2009/10, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut is the world¶s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate ± from the cocoa bean to the finished product on the store shelf. Barry Callebaut is present in 26 countries operates about 40 production facilities and employs about 7,500 people. The company serves the entire food industry, from food manufacturers to professional users of chocolate (such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs or bakers), to global retailers. Barry Callebaut is the global leader in cocoa and chocolate innovations and provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of product development, processing, training and marketing. The company is actively engaged in initiatives and projects that contribute to a more sustainable cocoa supply chain. 1/2 Press release For more information: Julie CHERAR Public Relations & Communication Manager Gourmet Europe Phone: +33 130 228 417 [email protected] www.worldchocolatemasters.com 2/2.