Glasgow girl in line for dream chocolate tasting job
An 11 year-old Jamie-lee will be paid in chocolate if she's picked
11 year-old Jamie-lee O’Neill from Glasgow's down to the final two in a compeition to be selected as Mackie's “Chief Chocolate-Taster.”
Jamie-lee and her competitor, 38 year-old Gayle Veitch, entered a competition to have their ideal chocolate bar become a reality and win the ‘Sweetest Job in the World’.
The public will have some say in who gets the job, as they can vote on which is better – Jamie-lee’s ‘Popcorn and Peanut Butter’ or Gayle’s ‘Raspberry and Rose’.
Mackie’s tasting panel will also help to make the decision.
Mackie’s advertised the 12-month position to celebrate the commissioning of its brand new chocolate factory in 2016.
The vacancy said no experience was needed – applicants only needed a mouth, taste buds, a passion for chocolate and ideas for interesting flavour combinations.
Applications poured in from across the world, and all ages.
The youngest applicant was 5, while the oldest was 80 – both suggested banana and toffee flavours.
Both contestants seem confident in their chances.
Gayle Veitch said: “I’ve always known I am a human with a mouth, what’s more, I have hands which are well practised in unwrapping chocolate and transporting it directly into my mouth – I’m perfect for the role.
Jamie-lee said: “I’m the chocolate taster out of my family, although my little brother gives it his best shot.
“I chose popcorn and peanut butter because they are my two favourite snacks - combined they might just take me to sweet victory.”
Kirstin McNutt, Head of Development at Mackie’s, said: “Both were invited to the farm where we vigorously tested their ability to taste, lick and sook chocolate and were seriously impressed.
“Our expert tasting panel now need the help of the public to let us know which flavour floats their boat via Facebook.”