Chocolatier

Culinary industry has many rewarding career choices. We are familiar with that of chef, tea taster, wine taster etc. Chocolatier, is one such appetizing career that people are not much aware of, but has much scope as chocolates are always in demand to the young and old alike.

Chocolate is unique in that it can be both a fundamental ingredient and a finished candy by itself. Chocolate is derived from the beans of the Theobroma cacao tree, but the substance we know as chocolate undergo a complex and lengthy process before it becomes the smooth, sweet food we are familiar with. The term 'chocolate' can refer to a variety of different products, whose characteristics and taste depends on the ingredients and methods used during processing. Chocolate products can range from small milk chocolate morsels to blocks of unsweetened chocolate to bars of white, milk or dark chocolate, with different variations.

A Chocolatier is an expert who makes confectionery/ sweets from chocolate. He is a type of chef who specializes in chocolate and can craft a wide range of delicious, tempting chocolates. In other words, Chocolatier is an artist who works with chocolate to create masterpieces that are both beautiful and delicious. A Chocolatier creates various chocolate based products like bonbons, pastries, cookies and artistic chocolate mouldings. Chocolatier has knowledge about chocolate formulations, the procedures for making chocolate candy, and the history of chocolate.

A Chocolatier and Chocolate maker are not the same. Chocolatier depends on the Chocolate maker for raw material to create his own sweet products. The chocolate maker manufactures chocolate bars and powders from dried cocoa beans. The Chocolatier takes these processed chocolates and combines them in personal recipes, along with other ingredients, to create decorative candies, bars and other desserts.

When it comes to starting ones own business and marketing, Chocolates manufactured must be unique, innovative and of best quality. Most important is the packaging, i.e how you present the product. As home made chocolates are most preferred by customers, scope is much more for this career.

Eligibility & Course Areas

Educational: Even though no special training is mandatory, it is advisable to attend a culinary school or cooking class which specialises in chocolates. Most of the learning indeed happens on the job. But it takes years of experience to master the art of crafting chocolates. Those who intend to start a business as independent Chocolatiers can benefit from business planning and management courses.

In specialised courses of chocolate making, students learn chocolate processing and the techniques of tempering, dipping, molding and sculpting of chocolates. They learn about the history of chocolates, its components, flavours and textures, techniques of cultivation and processing etc. 

Personal attributes: To become a Chocolatier what you need is not a degree, but basic cooking skills, lots of patience and an open mind. Apart from these qualities a Chocolatier requires knowledge, creativity, imagination, commitment, putting in long hours, finesse and attention to detailing. To be in this field one definitely needs to have a passion for crafting chocolates and possess basic marketing and PR skills. Chocolatier must have knowledge regarding flavour, texture, how to melt, mold and temper chocolates.

Job Prospects & Career Options

Chocolatier is a career that one could start off as a hobby by making home made chocolates which could later turn on to become a very lucrative profession. Chocolatier career is best for those who are creative and have a likeness for sweets. The success of a Chocolatier depends upon having a good business sense and a creative, tasty line of chocolates to draw in the customers.

To start a career in this field after completing a specialised course, the first step is to work under a master Chocolatier. After attaining hands on experience, one can open their own store or work for renowned chocolate brands. Most Chocolatiers begin as pastry or confectionery chefs and after gaining knowledge in the field start their career as Chocolatier. Chocolatiers work in the culinary arts, designing and making elaborate displays in chocolate. They blend different types of chocolate with other ingredients and mold the confection into intricate designs. The career can range greatly from creating chocolates for a local candy store to building elaborate, delicate works of art made entirely out of chocolate for high end customers. 

Chocolatiers can become entrepreneurs of their own and tie up with corporates, gift stores, florists and bakeries to market their products. Being termed as a business with small investment or no investment business, it can be pursued as a part time vocation as well. One can also opt for a career in the chocolate confectionary industry as a chocolate tester. There are options to work in the hospitality industry on cruise ships, world renowned hotels, resorts and casinos. Some could go on to work for big chocolate makers like Nestle or Cadbury's. Another good option which you can choose is to start a culinary school. 

Quality is the main word in this line of business because it is only with quality that one can build a lifetime relationship with customers. Next priority is the taste and design of the chocolate. Last, but most important is the packaging. Thus to conclude a product that is unique in all respects will still be always in demand and help you to stand out from the crowd of other Chocolatiers.

This job has its difficulties as well. They have to put in long hours of work to attain the target, especially during festival seasons when orders may be in bulk. That too they have to take care not to compromise on quality.

Institutes

Institutes conducting courses in the field of Chocolatier are rare in India. Chocolatier courses are offered as part of other culinary courses as specialisation. There are some private institutes that conduct short term courses in this subject area. But there are numerous chocolate academies abroad especially in USA, UK etc.

Institutes in India

» Chocolate Academy 401 Western Express Highway Andheri East 400069 Mumbai India Phone: 022 67213080 to 3087 Website: www.chocolate-academy.com conducts various short term courses. It is branches in foreign countires like Europe, America, Asia. » Barry Callebaut India Private Limited Chocolate Academy #401, 4th Floor Times Square Building Western Express Highway Andheri East Mumbai 400 069 Phone: 022 67 21 3080 to 3087 Fax:022 67 21 3099 Website: www.barry-callebaut.com » Craft and Social Development Organization (CSDO) E-61, Ist Floor, Lajpat Nagar-II, New Delhi. Phone :011 - 4172 3089 Email: Contact Us Website: www.candleclassesandmaterial.com/ » Swisswrap Chocolate Academy Office No. 2, 5th Floor, Shah Trade Centre, Rani Sati Marg, Malad (East), Mumbai 400 097. Phone: 0 22 2872 4545/ 1515 Fax:022 2888 1414 E-mail : Contact Us Website: www.swisswrapchocolates.com » MAPP – Magnificence Academy of Packaging Professionals C-91, Bharat Nagar, 3rd Floor, New Friends Colony, Above Hot Spot Delhi Phone: 011-65022830, 9311327221 Website :www.mappandmagnificence.com