Belgian chocolate academy opens

Callebaut, Belgian chocolatiers since 1911, has recently opened its flagship Chocolate Academy in Wieze, Belgium for professionals to learn and strengthen their skills in the art of chocolate crafting. The Academy allows applicants to be involved with each stage of production, from cocoa bean to finished product.

The number of professionals taking the course is expected to rise from 300 to 1000 after the opening of the new Chocolate Academy.  The training course will be led by Callebaut chefs and complemented by ‘Chocolate Ambassadors’, a global network of chefs who will share their knowledge on chocolate with the professionals.

Freek van der Knaap, vice president gourmet Western Europe, explains: “In the Chocolate Academy centre, chocolate professionals will come to train themselves, follow courses and receive demonstrations-from professionals to professionals.”

The Chocolate Academy consists of four training rooms and a greenhouse, including the Chocotorium, a 100 seat theatre available for lectures from chocolate experts, a Chocolate Bar and a Chocolate Library.