Milan's Salon du Chocolat celebrates chocoholics paradise

Milan - Milan will celebrate the most delicious food event of all, the Salon du Chocolat, on 9-12 February. Four days will be devoted to chocolate with an agenda full of tastings, events and international guests. The programme was presented on Monday by the Councillor for Commerce and Productive Activities, Cristina Tajani, together with Pietro Cerratani, curator of Milan's Salon du Chocolat. Star-rated chefs and master confectioners such as Ernst Knam, Carlo Cracco, Iginio Massari, Davide Oldani, Davide Comaschi, and Andrea Besuschio are among a few of the major players on the scene at the Salon du Chocolat Milano. This year's edition will be hosted by the MiCo at Viale Eginardo (Portello Metro Station), where 8400 square metres will be devoted to exhibit the 'food of the gods'. "Four days will be devoted to one of the symbols of Italian taste, as appreciated worldwide as pasta, pizza and ice-cream. This is a specialty food," which, as Councillor Tajani underlines,"is cutting a lion's share on the world market thanks to the work of our maitres chocolatiers, who craft together artisan traditions, creativity, and research with the top quality raw materials. In Italy, the chocolate industry has been valued at more than 2.5 billion euros, with exports reaching 665 million euros. Following last year's edition, together with the organisers, we decided to extend the event for an extra day. It gives a chance to Milanese and tourists alike to go to one of the 'sweetest' and most appreciated events in town." This year's edition will feature Maitre Chocolatier Ernst Knam. Exclusive for the event, the King of Chocolat will prepare a St. Valentine's themed sculpture to welcome visitors at the entrance. Moreover, in a 60 square metre stand, Mr Knam will hold his famous Master Classes presenting his new projects for 2017. This year's edition will also offer an extensive space to cocoa producing countries, such as Cameroon, a major producer of quality Theobroma cacao. In their stand, the representatives of Cameroon will offer information and educational pieces to tell how cocoa plantations in Africa represent one of the staples of the local economy and a lever for development, thanks to the presence of A.S.I.C.A. (Italy-Cameroon Trade Association). (AGI).