The Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, inaugurated its relocated CHOCOLATE ACADEMY^TM Center Dubai, which is now at the foot of the Burj Khalifa.

This new location and facility will enable chefs and artisans to showcase and develop their talent and skills. As the CHOCOLATE ACADEMY^TM Center Dubai is part of the wider CHOCOLATE ACADEMY^TM Center network, with 24 academies across the globe, it will provide the best platform to bring renowned chefs to Dubai to inspire, train and advise local artisans.

Commenting on the launch, Chef Romain Renard, head of the Chocolate Academy Center Dubai, said: “With our new set-up, we aim to elevate the experience of all chocolate professionals in the region who wish to create and express themselves. It is a unique place where we are cultivating an atmosphere of curiosity, creativity and inspiration for both professionals and chocolate lovers.”

With a team of dedicated chefs, CHOCOLATE ACADEMY^TM Center Dubai plays its role to inspire and educate the industry around chocolate and bring new techniques to artisans, pastry chefs, confectioners, bakers and caterers. It also plays an important role to drive innovation, as consumption patterns are changing more toward premiumization and new concepts in terms of design, color and flavors. As of October 21, courses and events with physical attendance will start again.

Amine Mebrouki, general manager Middle East and North Africa, said: “The chocolate market is recovering in the Middle East region. The CHOCOLATE ACADEMY^TM Center Dubai supports local businesses to find the right chocolate solutions to help them win in the market. From empowering women and young talents, to supporting new concepts: The CHOCOLATE ACADEMY^TM Center Dubai is the place to be in the Middle East region for everything related to chocolate.”

Rogier van Sligter, president EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), added: “This is an important moment for Barry Callebaut’s presence in the Middle East region. The relocated CHOCOLATE ACADEMY^TM Center 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 flavor. Initiatives like this help to grow the Gourmet business in the Eastern part of our EMEA region.”

The center will also serve as a meeting place for chocolate professionals, encouraging the exchange of technical expertise among each other.

Anuj Pachauri, marketing manager of Barry Callebaut Group, stated: “We believe the new location of CHOCOLATE ACADEMY^TM Dubai will become the beating chocolate heart for chefs and chocolatiers not only in Dubai but in the whole Middle East. This will bring us closer to our customers, helping them express themselves in best possible way.”

chocolate-academy.com