Fusion Chocolate, in Leeds Road was commended for its Yuzu & Black Sesame Bon Bon, marking the small business as one of the top food and drink producers globally this year. It achieved a one-star rating for the product and was among 15 other food items created in Bradford that made the list. The annual awards honour businesses across the country with the best products and gold stars are awarded to recognise the excellence of either their food or drink items.
They are organised by the Guild of Fine Food, with more than 500 judges – leading critics, chefs, buyers and restaurateurs – pouring through thousands of entrants over 92 days to come up with a definitive list. Fusion Chocolate won in the New Business of the Year category at the Ilkley Business Awards 2024 earlier this year (Image: Heidi Marfitt) Products receive a one, two or three-star rating if they are ranked among the best by judges, with the majority receiving no rating at all. Fusion Chocolate has made it on the list for the first time, in just two years of being set up.
The company is the brainchild of Paula Bui, who worked in healthcare before making the leap to set up her own confectionary business. The story began in 2021 when Paula started making chocolates in her kitchen for family and friends after taking a course on handmaking chocolates and mastering the art of tempering. Easter treats by Fusion Chocolate (Image: Heidi Marfitt) She completed further studies with chocolatier Kalle Jungstedt of Sweden an.