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 and then opened a chocolate kitchen in Skipton Road, Ilkley in 2022.
Fusion Chocolate won in the New Business of the Year category at the Ilkley Business Awards at the start of the year, just before Paula opened a shop in Leeds Road in the town , having primarily sold her wares online and at the monthly food market on the Grove before. Fusion Chocolate, in Leeds Road, Ilkley (Image: Google Street View) The Yuzu & Black Sesame Bon Bon – made from a citrus fruit from East Asia of the same name – was described by judges as being “very attractive”, “a very clever combination”, and “delicious”. They added: “It pinged all around our mouths - then the warm, nutty sesame tones came into play and complemented the citrus.
” Paula feels “very proud” about the accolade and described it as “a huge moment for me”. She said: “To be recognised against large brands and international producers is a dream come true. “Having only started making chocolates and launching the business in 2022 this is a huge honour.
” Paula added: “Being recognised with a Great Taste 1 star means so much to independent producers such as myself, as it makes all the hard work and determination worth it.”.
