World’s largest chocolate show sweetens Seoul

Last week, the world’s largest chocolate show ― Le Salon du Chocolat ― made its first stop in Seoul.

The trade event first kicked off in Paris in 1994. In 2009 it was held in China. This year marks the first year it was held in South Korea, ringing up a total of 20 events in over five countries.

At the Seoul event, which ran from Jan. 17 to 20, prominent chocolatiers Jean-Paul Hevin, Pierre Marcolini and Philippe Bernachon showcased their chocolates, spoke at seminars and taught at demonstrations.

“I want to meet Koreans and learn about Korea,” chocolatier Jean-Paul Hevin told The Korea Herald at the event last Thursday.

French chocolatier Philippe Bernachon expressed a desire to have visitors taste his chocolates, which are hard to come across outside of his shop in Lyon, France.

“These are brands that are not in Korea,” office worker Kim Yoon-mi, 30, said about why she attended the Salon du Chocolat. “I found it new and enjoyed purchasing chocolates.”

“Yes, I would like it to come again,” she added.

“The event is smaller than I expected but I think it is good,” said college student Kim Ji-ho. “I would like them to hold this show more often and for it to expand.”

Over the past four days, over 40 brands of chocolate were showcased and 11 seminars and 16 demonstrations were held.

Of the significance of the chocolate trade fair in regards to the South Korean dessert market, cafe owner Jung Eui-chun, 27, said, “Yes, I see potential for chocolate here.”

Jung added that he believes the market for chocolate is diversifying.

The Salon du Chocolat Seoul 2013 was hosted by Hyundai Corporation.

By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldcorp.com)