Shropshire chocolatier Louis Barnett has returned from a week in Mexico City, where he was invited to attend the Mexican International Chocolate Experience as the youngest ever chocolatier.

Louis, from Chokolit in Bridgnorth, did demonstrations and presentations to many of the event’s 10,000 visitors.

Louis is delighted at the success of his trip. “The Mexican Experience has been an incredible opportunity for me, and one which I will never forget, he said.

“The people of Mexico have been wonderful hosts, and their generosity has been unbelievable. My research into the origins of chocolate, and learning about the processes involved in creating the best flavours and textures has resulted in what we think is the opportunity to source some of the finest single origin cacao for my new range of bars.

“I have also managed to source some Milinillos which are the ancient stirring sticks used to create the Tegate Y Champurrado – which is the oldest recorded chocolate drink in the world, created by the ancient Aztec people over 2500 years ago.

“I have always talked about this as part of my demonstrations, and I will be showing the Milinillos when I create my secret recipe for Tegate at this year’s regional food festivals, where people can try it for themselves.”

James Day, Midlands Food Promoter, who assisted Louis throughout his trip added “Louis has been quite a phenomenal in Mexico. The crowds queuing for his autograph and to meet him after his demonstrations were unbelievable. We were even stopped in the streets with people asking for Louis’ autograph after seeing him on Mexican television.”

Louis will be returning to Mexico in the next few weeks to visit the plantations themselves, where he will meet the growers.