Eyragues hosted the 3rd Professional Meetings of the French Academy of Chocolate and Confectionery, organized on Thursday, October 1st, by Terre de Provence Agglomération. These ambassadors of artisanal excellence spent three days sharing their thoughts on the profession's current affairs, the transmission of their skills, the future of their trades, and the evolution of consumer habits for 'delicacies' and other gustatory delights.
A round table brought together professionals, financiers, and legislators, including the senator from Bouches-du-Rhône, to address the regulatory, environmental, and pricing issues hindering the local sourcing of resources. The development of the almond sector in Provence was particularly highlighted as an example.
On this occasion, Corinne Chabaud, president of Terre de Provence Agglomération, Michel Gavanon, mayor of Eyragues and vice-president for Agriculture, Environment, and Sustainable Development, Michel Blanc, mayor of Barbentane and vice-president for Attractiveness and Economic Development, and Marcel Martel, mayor of Châteaurenard and 1st vice-president, honored three professionals by awarding them the Terre de Provence medal.
The recipients are: Nicolas HÉTEAU, president of the French Academy of Chocolate and Confectionery and pastry chef at the National Assembly; Maxime FALEMPIN, production director at Chocolaterie de l’Opéra in Châteaurenard and local event coordinator; and Frédéric HAWECKER, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chocolatier 2011, a chocolatier-pastry chef established in Châteaurenard since 2002 and an international trainer of future talents.
