Certified Chocolate Maker

I understand cacao cultivation and processing practices on a detailed level and how those factors impact the unique flavor of each chocolate I manufacture. I know that survival of cacao bio-diversity and value provides economic, social, and environmental benefits to farmers and their communities.

I appreciate the importance of cocoa bean sourcing, including understanding cocoa bean origin, sourcing consistent suppliers, understanding cocoa sustainability as well as organic and fair-trade issues in order to ensure quality and traceability.

I constantly develop my chocolate making skills and techniques in order to transform cocoa beans into a perfect chocolate from my own point of view. This includes training my palate in identifying cocoa bean flavor based on a formal and detailed tasting regimen.

I understand the chemistry of chocolate and how its chemical properties determine a chocolate's performance when used in different techniques. I am familiar with the cocoa manufacturing process and the equipment that supports it.

I have experience in professional chocolate making skills and techniques including tempering and molding. I am knowledgeable about the equipment used to turn dried cocoa beans into flavorful, high-quality chocolate. I also may create chocolate products tailored to a variety of ethical and dietary choices.

I respect my customers and their intelligence by being open about where my ingredients are from, how they are processed and how I process my chocolate products. I keep my product labels, promotional materials and marketing messages accurate and don't make claims that I cannot support.