Barry Callebaut opens third chocolate academy centre in China

Barry Callebaut has inaugurated a new chocolate academy and office in Shenzhen, in an effort to bring the company closer to its gourmet customers in southern China.

The new centre marks Barry Callebaut’s third chocolate academy in China – joining Beijing and Shanghai – and its 23rd globally. It represents the company’s continuous expansion in the country which started 12 years ago.

So far, more than 5,000 craftsmen in China have attended training and demonstrations in the chocolate academy centres in Shanghai and Beijing. Most recently, the centres have hosted several online learning sessions on topics such as home baking.

The centres enable artisans, pastry chefs, confectioners, bakers and caterers to create the “chocolate delights of tomorrow”.

“China is one of our largest gourmet markets in the world. Our chocolate academy centres in China have become a hub of expertise, creativity and inspiration for both professionals and chocolate lovers,” said Denis Convert, VP of gourmet for Barry Callebaut at Asia Pacific.

The opening of its fourth office in China represents the company’s intentions to better serve its growing customers in south China. Barry Callebaut says the office is well-positioned to become the company’s operational hub in southern China.

George Zhang, managing director for Barry Callebaut China, said: “Today, Shenzhen – and the Greater Bay Area – is a priority market for many businesses that are expanding in China and globally. So, it is important that we have strong offerings where our customers are.”