Bakery Biz, September-October, 2021
CHOCOLATE ACADEMY Center Dubai offers inspiration, training and support for professionals
The Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of highquality chocolate and cocoa products, recently inaugurated its relocated CHOCOLATE ACADEMY Center Dubai, which is now at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. This new location and facility serve as a creative platform where chefs and artisans can showcase and develop their talent and skills. As CHOCOLATE ACADEMY Center Dubai is part of the wider CHOCOLATE ACADEMY Center network with 24 academies across the globe, it will be the premier platform for bringing
renowned chefs to Dubai to inspire, train and advise local artisans.
With a team of dedicated chefs, CHOCOLATE ACADEMY Center Dubai plays an important role in inspiring and educating the chocolate industry and introducing new techniques to artisans, pastry chefs, confectioners, bakers and caterers. The CHOCOLATE ACADEMY Center Dubai also plays an important role in driving innovation as consumption patterns shift towards premiumization and new concepts in terms of design, colour and flavours.
Amine Mebrouki, General Manager Middle East & North Africa, said: “The chocolate market is recovering in the Middle East region. The CHOCOLATE ACADEMY Center Dubai supports local
businesses in finding the right chocolate solutions to help them win in the market. From empowering women and young talents, to supporting new concepts: The CHOCOLATE ACADEMY 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 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.”
Barry Callebaut inaugurates ‘The Chocolate Box’
World’s largest and most sustainable chocolate warehouse in Lokeren, Belgium
Recently inaugurated ‘The Barry Callebaut Chocolate Box’, is the new Global Distribution Center in Lokeren, Belgium. The Chocolate Box is the world’s largest chocolate warehouse and will be the logistical hub for all packed Belgian chocolate and decorations products, produced in Barry Callebaut’s chocolate factories in Wieze and Halle, Belgium.
The Chocolate Box is the result of a successful partnership between Barry Callebaut, the real estate developer WDP and the city of Lokeren. With a total investment amount of EUR 100 million, it is the largest investment Barry Callebaut has ever made in its operations network. The Chocolate Box increases the efficiency of Barry Callebaut’s global logistics and will allow the Group to serve customers even faster. Peter Boone, CEO of the Barry Callebaut Group, said: “The Chocolate Box is a milestone for Barry Callebaut. From Lokeren, all packed chocolate products – mainly under our Belgian chocolate brand Callebaut – will be shipped to the rest of the world. The Chocolate Box is an example of how we execute our smart growth strategy, increasing efficiency and serving our customers in a more sustainable way.”
