The winning showpiece for the fourth World Chocolate Masters competition, “Warrior,” was sculpted entirely out of chocolate and shows an Aztec warrior seeking cacao in the jungle. The breathtaking creation was completed entirely during the three-day competition by Dutch Chef Frank Haasnoot.

Meanwhile, his winning dessert, "Xococo," contained the most delicate flavors with a remarkable blend and taste of long-lived Aztec ingredients - coconut, passion fruit, mango and, of course, chocolate.

Both perfectly fit this year’s theme, “Cocoa, Quetzalcoatl's gift.” and Haasnoot, winner of the Dutch World Chocolate Masters pre-selection, received the World Chocolate Masters 2011 trophy specially created by leading Dutch designer Rob Verhoeven, as well as a €25,000 prize package.

Yoshiaki Uezaki, from Japan, took second place at the competition, while Palle Sorensen, from Denmark, took third.

The event - organized by Barry Callebaut’s three key brand segments, Cacao Barry, Callebaut and Carma - was held at the "Salon du Chocolat Professionnel" exhibition at Porte de Versailles in Paris.

The jury - headed by President of Honor, Shigeo Hirai, the 2009 World Chocolate Master - also included presidents Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of the French Pastry School in Chicago and a leading pastry chef from the United States, and Arnaud Larher, Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

In addition to the overall winners, the jury also gave special awards for "Best praline", "Best gastronomic chocolate dessert", "Best chocolate pastry" and "Best chocolate showpiece." As a highlight this year, an additional award was given for "Best chocolate necklace" - which went to Jana Ristau, from Germany.

For a full list of results, visit www.worldchocolatemasters.com. For more information on Barry Callebaut, visit www.barry-callebaut.com.