Barry Callebaut Cuts Ribbon on New Chocolate Academy Center

Chocolate and cocoa company Barry Callebaut announced Tuesday that it has opened its third Chocolate Academy Center in China and a new sales office in Shenzhen, China. The inauguration of the site will enable the company to serve customers in South China.

“I am excited about the growth potential that China offers. The inauguration of the new office and the Chocolate Academy Center in Shenzhen is part of our continuous expansion in China and another milestone in our successful growth story which started here 12 years ago,” Ben De Schryver, president of Barry Callebaut Asia Pacific, said in a company release. “The state-of-the-art facilities will help us meet the growing demand for high-quality chocolate creations and serve our customers better.”

Barry Callebaut currently operates two Chocolate Academy facilities and sales offices in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as a production plant in Suzhou.

The company’s Chocolate Academy Centers provide training, offer demonstrations, and allow pastry chefs, bakers, caterers, confectioners, and artisans to collaborate on new products.

“China is one of our largest Gourmet markets in the world. Our Chocolate Academy Centers in China have become a hub of expertise, creativity, and inspiration for both professionals and chocolate lovers,” said Denis Convert, vice president, Gourmet, for Barry Callebaut Asia Pacific, in a statement.