The second edition of Chokolashow took place on 13th and 14th October at the Méridien Beach Plaza, positioning itself as both a gourmet event and a platform for cultural exchange and fundraising. Held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, the event brought together artists, patrons, and non-profits for two days of programming centred around chocolate as both material and metaphor.
The artistic heart of Chokolashow was an exhibition of eight original works engraved onto slabs of chocolate, created by international artists and displayed ahead of the event from 25th September to 10th October. Each piece explored a nautical theme and was paired with a charitable cause, with proceeds from the closing auction—€9,300 in total—distributed across nine beneficiary organisations, including Action Innocence, Fight Aids Monaco, and the Prince Albert II Foundation.
Prince Albert attended the final evening, viewing the works and meeting the artists before signing a ceremonial chocolate bar — one of two symbolic pieces created for the occasion.
The first, encased in resin and set with diamonds by Italian jewellers Caffaro Rore, drew particular attention for its blend of craftsmanship and spectacle.
The event format
Organised by Monaco International Hub, led by Maria Bologna, Chokolashow was structured as a village-style gathering, with installations, tastings, and a formal dinner. The format allowed guests to move between experiences — an art installation, a table conversation, a product showcase — rather than follow a rigid programme.
The gala dinner, curated by chef Laurent Colin with support from Antonio Fochi, focused on the nuances of cacao, used both as an ingredient and as a motif. The evening also featured experimental contributions from partners like Casa Amodio, which introduced a cocoa-infused mozzarella, and Frenk Bar, which created both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cacao-based cocktails.
Gift bags were filled with artisanal products from Italian producers, including Parmigiano ganaches from I Portici, gianduiotti by Ziccat, and vintage-style chocolates from Atelier 45, reinforcing the event’s cross-cultural intent.
Highlights and announcements
Artist Tony Belfatto was awarded the public prize for most appreciated work, and will design the official Chokolashow trophy for the next edition. Francesca Bergesio, Miss Italia 2023, was in attendance as guest of honour, alongside event partner Gerardo Di Maio, who announced that the final of The Look of the Year will return to the same venue on 16th November 2025.
Another key moment came with the announcement of Chokolashow 2026, which will be themed around the Grimaldi dynasty — a nod to heritage, continuity and Monaco’s evolving cultural landscape.
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Main photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace