From bean-to-bar creations to truffles and hand-painted bonbons, Australia’s finest chocolatiers have been recognised at the 2026 Perth Royal Food Awards – Chocolate.

This year marked the return of the chocolate category to the competition and saw 90 entries judged , with 10 Champion Trophies awarded alongside 43 gold, 23 silver, and 12 bronze medals.

The Champion Chocolate Trophy was awarded to Bon Bonbon from East Fremantle, WA, for their 12 Piece Signature Collection Box.

Bon Bonbon founder Di Bain said chocolate brings people joy, and that’s what inspires them every day.

“To be recognised with Champion Chocolate at the Perth Royal Food Awards less than a year after opening our doors to the public is an incredible honour for our small team,” she said.

“Because the awards are judged blind, this recognition is especially meaningful. It means our chocolates were evaluated purely on flavour, craftsmanship and quality.

“Our ambition has always been to elevate the chocolate gifting experience by pairing exceptional flavour with beautiful design. Every bonbon is painted, filled and finished by hand in our East Fremantle studio, and we’re thrilled that our commitment to quality and creativity has been recognised at the highest level.”

Other champions were recogfnised across a diverse range of chocolate styles including Bracegirdles House of Fine Chocolate (Clarence Gardens, SA), Gari Yala from Chocolate on Purpose (Moss Vale, NSW), Knights Delights (Dalkeith, WA), Whitefield Estate Chocoalte (Denmark, WA), and Chocolat Phillipe (Erskineville, NSW).

Each entry was blind judged across criteria including appearance, finish, texture, flavour balance, innovation, and overall quality. For chocolate bars the judges considered factors such as sheen, snap, structure, and flavour, while truffles and individual chocolates were assessed on finish, mouthfeel, flavour combinations and craftsmanship.

Royal Agricultural Society of WA chief executive officer Robyn Sermon said food has a wonderful way of bringing people together.

“…and few products do that quite like chocolate. Whether shared with family and friends or gifted to mark a special occasion, chocolate is often part of our most cherished moments,” she said.

“The Perth Royal Food Awards Chocolate competition celebrates the people who help create those experiences, showcasing the artistry that transforms quality ingredients into something truly memorable.”