Sweet dreams and smart business 

At The Chocolatier’s Workshop™ provided by Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, aspiring chocolatiers gain the foundational knowledge they need to start their own confectionery business. The team at Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate has decades of experience in the confectionery industry and understands the intricacies of chocolate. During the workshop, years of expertise are shared to help chocolatiers make delicious confections while building a smart, successful chocolate business. 

The Chocolatier’s Workshop™

At The Chocolatier’s Workshop™, up to ten participants learn from chocolate and confectionery experts and Cargill’s senior staff in a small, intimate seminar. “The Chocolatier’s Workshop™ is a unique offering by Cargill,” said Courtney LeDrew, marketing manager with Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate and instructor at the workshop. “Participants learn best-in-class practices in chocolate tempering and candy making. They learn how to build and grow a smart, successful confectionery business. And, they share their love of chocolate with fellow participants and instructors alike.” 

The workshop is held over three days at Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, located in the quaint town of Lititz, Pennsylvania. Participants learn through classroom instruction and by the hands-on creation of confections. Since the classes are small, participants have time to develop a network with fellow participants. 

Smart business 

During days one and two of the workshop, participants learn about building and growing a confectionery business. Topics range from selecting the perfect site, to developing a marketing plan, to branding and packaging selection. Participants also learn to appreciate the legal, accounting and insurance issues they must address with their chosen professionals in order to build their businesses and position them for growth. 

Sweet dreams 

Day three takes on a different tone and tends to be a favorite with participants and staff alike. Staff and participants gather in the Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate kitchen to try their hand at confectionery making while learning time-tested techniques in tempering chocolate.

The Chocolatier’s Workshop™ draws a diverse group of participants who are truly interested in chocolate and building their chocolate business. The workshops began in November 2008 and are held four times per year.

Eric Berley, from Philadelphia, Pa., attended the first workshop and said, “The class was a great beginning course for the novice like me with trained experts to help guide the individuals to a better understanding of chocolate and its properties and the mechanics of operating a full scale business within that field. I highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about getting into the chocolate business.” 

Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate 

At Cargill, we strive to develop unique products and services for our customers. The Chocolatier’s Workshop™ is a great example of a unique service – and one we had a lot of fun doing. To participate in a workshop, complete The Chocolatier’s Workshop™ form or contact us for more information about the workshop. 

Cargill is one of the world’s major processors of cocoa beans. We partner with the UTZ CERTIFIED cocoa program because we believe that cocoa, grown sustainably, is vital to economies and livelihoods of farming communities in cocoa growing countries. Visit our responsible cocoa sourcing section for information on our sustainable agriculture activities.