Barry Callebaut opens Chocolate Academy centre in South Africa

On 8 May 2018, the Barry Callebaut Group opened the first Chocolate Academy centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. For the Group it is the 21st chocolate academy it opens in the world and the first on the African continent.

David Bowrin, sales director for South East Africa, said: “Not only are we celebrating a milestone for Barry Callebaut, but this marks a special moment for the South African chocolate industry.

“It reaffirms our commitment to the South African market. The Chocolate Academy centre is an invaluable asset to South African chocolate professionals and artisans, offering endless possibilities in all the aspects related to chocolate and cocoa products. We are taking the local chocolate spirit to new heights.”

The Chocolate Academy centres are teaching and training centres for artisans and professionals who want to improve their skills in chocolate and learn about new trends, techniques and recipes. More than 500 interested craftsmen attend these events every week in the Group’s Chocolate Academy centres worldwide.

South African born Minette Smith, will lead the Chocolate Academy centre in Johannesburg with a strong commitment to elevate and innovate chocolate skills throughout South Africa.

“The Chocolate Academy centre is a magnificent environment, not only for chefs, but also for everyone who has a passion for chocolate. The environment in the Chocolate Academy centre will offer world-class support, enabling customers to harness their skills to bring the best innovations in chocolate,” says Smith.

The new academy will host master classes with a strong focus on chocolate fundamentals. Speciality master classes will also be offered and during these classes, talented chefs and industry experts from around the world will be able to share their passion, innovative ideas and expertise around chocolate.

While being globally aligned with the other 20 Chocolate Academy centres around the world, the Chocolate Academy centre South Africa will also provide a forum for dialogue with customers through customer-focused demonstrations, workshops as well as branded events.

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