Brussels, 20 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Belgium top chocolatiers for 2027 have been announced by Gault&Millau, with Arthur Amblard named Chocolatier of the Year for Brussels. David Maenhout of Chocolatier M won the Flanders title, while François Deremiens was recognised for Wallonia.
Gault&Millau selects 145 chocolatiers
Gault&Millau announced the results on 14 September as part of the tenth edition of its Finest Chocolatiers selection. The 2027 guide includes 145 chocolatiers operating across 207 addresses in Belgium and Luxembourg.
The organisation said its selection was conducted independently and without commercial considerations. Experts carried out several intensive blind-tasting sessions, assessing appearance, flavour and texture as well as finishing quality, creativity and presentation.
Gault&Millau also reported increased use of origin chocolates and less conventional ingredients, including Asian-inspired flavours, across the sector.
Arthur Amblard wins Brussels award
Amblard has operated his workshop in Brussels’ Sablon district since 2025. He trained in baking and pastry-making before studying at CERIA and later gaining experience at Oberweis in Luxembourg and with Arnaud Champagne in Ittre.
His range is made without added sugar, an approach inspired by his father, who has diabetes. Gault&Millau said Amblard uses xylitol in place of refined sugar while focusing on flavour, balance and aromatic intensity. His creations include combinations such as yuzu and sesame with fleur de sel.
Speaking to BRUZZ after receiving the award, Amblard explained the motivation behind his approach:
“I want people with diabetes also to be able to eat chocolate.”
The interview was published on 16 September, two days after the awards were announced.
Gault&Millau highlights Amblard’s approach
In announcing the Brussels award, Gault&Millau praised Amblard’s ability to combine contemporary techniques with traditional chocolate-making.
The guide said:
“Innovation and craftsmanship can go hand in hand.”
Gault&Millau said Amblard achieves this while retaining the enjoyment expected from artisan chocolate, describing his work as modern and highly personal.
Regional winners named across Belgium
The Belgium top chocolatiers awards also recognised David Maenhout of Chocolatier M in Knokke as the 2027 winner for Flanders. Maenhout, who has worked at a high level for more than two decades, was also the first winner of the guide’s chocolatier award in 2013.
François Deremiens, based in Prouvy and Jamoigne, received the Wallonia title. The former primary-school teacher became a self-taught chocolatier before developing a bean-to-chocolate approach involving rare cacao beans and low-temperature roasting.
Olivier Vandoninck’s Chocolatier O in Geel was meanwhile named Belgium’s Discovery of the Year 2027.
2027 chocolatier selection remains available
The full Belgium top chocolatiers selection is now available through Gault&Millau’s dedicated chocolatier guide. The organisation’s current awards directory confirms Amblard, Chocolatier M and Deremiens as the 2027 regional winners.
Gault&Millau’s next major Belgian publication is its wider Belgium Guide, scheduled to launch on 9 November 2026.
