November 19th, 2009 | 
Author: A new organisation for creative chocolate makers has been launched in the Dordogne.
‘Chocolate Madness’ aims to bring new inspirations to the thriving confectionery industry of the Dordogne Perigord.
Known as ‘Folie Chocolate’ in French, the group was started in response to the interest shown at February’s exhibition of the Union of Confectioners Chocolate Dordogne-Perigord. Despite taking place squarely in the off peak season, where the numbers of people on a french holiday are at their lowest, it proved extremely popular.
Chocolatier Gerald Bousseton and his friend Patrick Brecha decided to capitalise on the interest by organising a new association of chocolate and confectionery makers – and a new chocolate festival for the Dordogne.
Sharing its name with the organisation behind it, Chocolate Madness will run over Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th of November. Hosted in the Chateaux des Izards in Perigeux, it will feature chocolate artisans from eight of France’s departements.
These participants will be more than the traditional chocolatiers. According to Bousseton, it will be open to “all those who have ‘soul candy’”. The idea is to showcase some of the most creative and unexpected ideas amongconfectionery makers to both the public and interested businesses. Visitors can expect to see chocolate in all shapes, sizes, colours and combinations. Bousseton himself specialises in colourfully decorated chocolate in range of artistic styles, and often combines fruit with cocoa in his creations.
Folie Chocolat hopes to host the event biannually, alternating with the regional food festival Salon Du Livre Gourmand of Perigeux. As well as workshops for chocolatiers and public demonstrations of some of the tricks of the trade, visitors will be able taste some of the treats.
Speaking to Sudouest.com, Gerard Bousseton said that he and Patrick created the new organisation purely to expedite the event. After the February exhibition he arranged to host an event with the municipality of Perigeux. Considering his vision of a sucessful, unique exhibition, he knew that he would have to quickly organise participants, funds and contracts to make it it a reality.
Bousseton said that”to achieve this, it was necessary to create this association”.
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