Entries to all 27 categories is now open with delivery of the chocolate starting on 2nd September. The Student Award category will accept entries from students of an accredited school (such as Westminster Kingsway College) or similar institution.

An Academy of Chocolate spokesperson said: “This is an exciting new development we have been working on for some time and we are keen to encourage students to enter. The rules are the same as for flavoured bars or filled chocolates in general, but they do not have to be for commercial sale and the packaging does not have to be point of sale ready.”

Deadline for sample submissions to be received by Westminster Kingsway College is based on categories:

• Bars will be due by 26th September
• Filled/enrobed chocolates, spreads, chocolate drinks and Brand Experience will be due by 24th October

Judging will take place in October and November, with mostly remote judging for bars. In person judging for bonbons, filled chocolates and other categories will be held at Westminster Kingsway College, as will the final rounds.

The Grand Jury decisions will be taken in October, November, and early December. All results will be announced on the website by December 16th. Feedback will be sent out in January 2026. For more information, visit: www.judgify.me/aoc2025.