Barry Callebaut unveils relocated Dubai Chocolate Academy facility
The Swiss-headquartered Barry Callebaut Group has delivered its relocated Dubai chocolate academy, aiming to drive confectionery innovation in the region from its distinctive new location at the Burj Khalifa, writes Neill Barston.
As the company revealed, its new site and facility serves as a creative platform where chefs and artisans can showcase and develop their talent and skills, as part of a wider global network of similar centres.
In total, there are now 24 academies around the world, and the business believes it will be the premier platform for bringing renowned chefs to Dubai to inspire, train and advise local artisans – ahead of the major Yummex confectionery and Gulfood Manufacturing shows between November 7-9.
The new dubai academy is set to play an important role in inspiring and educating the chocolate industry and introducing new techniques to artisans, pastry chefs, confectioners, bakers and caterers. It is expected to help drive innovation in meeting demand for greater levels of premium product ranges, as well as advances in design, colour and flavour.
With the coronavirus pandemic having impacted on live events, the academy will be resuming its live courses from this week as conditions gradually improve.
Amine Mebrouki, General Manager Middle East & North Africa, said: “The chocolate market is recovering in the Middle East region, with the academy well placed to support local businesses in finding the right chocolate solutions to help them win in the market.
From empowering women and young talents, to supporting new concepts: The chocolate academy centre in Dubai is the place to be in the Middle East region for everything related to chocolate.”
Furthermore, Rogier van Sligter, President EMEA region, also welcomed the newly relocated academy. He said: “This is an important moment for Barry Callebaut’s presence in the Middle East region. The relocated Chocolate Academy Centre Dubai will strengthen the collaboration with our customers in the growing Middle East region, helping them to develop their own profile in terms of taste and flavour. Initiatives like this help to grow the Gourmet business in the Eastern part of our EMEA region.”
Major product breakthrough
In a further key breakthrough this week, Barry Callebaut has also unveiled its firs nutraceutical fruit drink, ‘Elix’ cacaofruit elixir – made from 100% pure cacaofruit.
It is said to have a zesty fruity taste, with the fruit containing the required amount of flavanols to optimise blood flow across the entire body, and is a source of iron, magnesium and potassium.
Besides the 100% pure cacaofruit elixir, combinations with herbs and other fruits can be explored to enrich the range with beautiful taste combinations and additional nutrients. The nutraceutical fruit drink contributes to personal as well environmental health. Since it upcycles the whole cacaofruit, ‘Elix’ positively impacts nature and communities.
Covid accelerated consumers’ interest in the beauty of food and the beneficial health effects of eating and living well. Generation X –born between the mid-1960s and the early-1980s – believe they need to nurture their nature. To keep their body and mind strong, they look out for whole foods that are scientifically proven to actively support their health. They are well informed about which, and what amount, of macro- and micro nutrients to consume.
Peter Boone, CEO of Barry Callebaut Group said of the development: “The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated consumers’ interest in their own health as well as in the health of their environment. The introduction of this new category of nutraceutical fruit drinks is another proof point of how Barry Callebaut, through its innovation capabilities and its profound knowledge of the cacaofruit, is able to cater to evolving consumer trends.
