Summary
Every year on July 7, the world unites to celebrate everyone's favourite indulgence - chocolate!
But what if this passion for chocolate could transcend mere consumption? What if you could turn your love affair with cocoa into a career?
World Chocolate Day is just around the corner! Every year on July 7, the world unites to celebrate everyone's favourite indulgence - chocolate! From creamy milk chocolate to the rich allure of dark varieties, chocolates evoke joy, nostalgia, and a touch of magic.
But what if this passion for chocolate could transcend mere consumption? What if you could turn your love affair with cocoa into a career?
From Cocoa Beans to Dream Jobs: Unwrapping the Sweetest Careers
The relevance of Chocolate Day in India, a nation experiencing a chocolate revolution with a market size estimated at a staggering USD 2.31 billion in 2024 (source: Mordor Intelligence), is undeniable. This surge in cocoa consumption translates to exciting career opportunities for passionate youngsters, prompting a rise in educational programmes and careers dedicated to the art and science of chocolate.
"Chocolate is a worldwide food item, that has received global acceptance and love," says Jagadish Chandra Haldar, the Head Manager of Nahoum’s. "Previously, chocolate was just made into toffees but as time went by and technology advanced, customers started accepting them in different forms, catering to different taste buds."
So with valuable insights from esteemed industry experts, the Telegraph Online Edugraph is set to help students on their journey to becoming a chocolate industry professional and discover the skills and educational qualifications needed to craft cocoa magic. Because in a world where passion meets purpose, every day can be Chocolate Day!
- Chocolatier/Chocolate Sculptor
A chocolatier is like a chocolate artist, creating intricate confections such as truffles, bonbons, and pralines. Similarly, for those with a flair for creativity and a love of chocolate, becoming a chocolate sculptor is a dream come true. These skilled artisans design and sculpt elaborate chocolate pieces, turning cocoa into edible art.
Prafull Aina, Executive Chef of the Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, aptly notes, “Now the generation is seeing how versatile an ingredient chocolate can be. You can mold it, you can make sculptures out of it, you can make lines out of it, you can make cakes out of it, you can make lovely desserts out of it, you can do so many things with that. ”
What degree to pursue and where in India?
While a formal education is not strictly mandatory, a Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery or a Certificate course in Chocolate Making provides a strong foundation in chocolate techniques, tempering, and working with molds. Advanced Diploma in Chocolate Arts (specifically for chocolatiers) or Diploma in Chocolatier & Patissier can further refine your skills.
Some of the institutes where you can pursue these courses or alternatives are - Indian Institute of Baking and Cake Art, Bangalore, Art Chocolat, New Delhi, and Le Cordon Bleu India - Bengaluru, Gurgaon.
Yes, you read that right – you can get paid to taste chocolate! As a chocolate tester, your job involves sampling various chocolates and evaluating flavors, textures, and quality.
What degree to pursue and where in India?
There's no specific degree for chocolate testers. However, a BSc in Food Science and Technology equips you with a scientific understanding of chocolate composition, sensory evaluation, and quality control. Pursuing a BSc in Hospitality Management can also help students gain invaluable knowledge of consumer preferences.
Some of the institutes where you can pursue these courses are - Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Haryana, and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Tamil Nadu.
A pastry chef (also known as a dessert chef) creates a wide array of baked goods and desserts. They develop recipes, decorate cakes, and manage kitchen operations.
Debashree Roy, Pastry Chef at Boma Asian Bakery, shares valuable advice for aspiring chocolatiers and pastry chefs: “There are institutions and workshops that are specifically concerned with chocolate craft, but the best learning one can get is from experience. If someone wants to specialise in chocolate, the best they can do is start with an internship at such a place that deals in the chocolate or pastry business. ” Roy underscores the importance of hands-on experience and perseverance in mastering the art.
Additionally, emphasising that mastery comes with continuous efforts to understand the journey of ingredients from farm to table, Chef Prafull highlights how important it is to build strong basics.
What degree to pursue and where in India?
Pursue a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management/Culinary Arts with a specialisation in Pastry Arts, which will help train you in various pastry techniques, including chocolate work.
Some of the institutes where you can pursue these courses are - International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Academy of Pastry Arts, Gurgaon, and IIHM Institute of Patisserie and Culinary (IIPC).
If you’re business-savvy and passionate about chocolate, consider becoming a chocolate entrepreneur. Start your chocolate shop, bakery, or online business. Create unique chocolate products, build a brand, and share your love for cocoa with the world.
Riju Sen, 3rd Generation Entrepreneur and partner at a renowned sweets brand observes, “In the last decade, the Indian chocolate and pastry industry experienced a boom. More and more people are appreciating quality chocolate products. Not only the large industry setups, with this boom we have seen many home bakeries emerging. If you are passionate about pastry and chocolates, setting up your own home pastry business also can be a good career option! ” Sen highlights the booming opportunities for passionate individuals in the chocolate and pastry industry.
What degree to pursue and where in India?
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Diploma in Entrepreneurship Management will be helpful. Combine this with your chocolate-making skills and knowledge of the industry.
Multiple universities offer these courses, here are a few reputed ones - Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, and National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), Noida.
While embracing these insights from the industry experts, let your passion for chocolate guide you toward a fulfilling and delectable career. As new-age professions continue to open up, the traditional route is not the only way forward. So, unwrap your passion and turn it into a fulfilling career because the possibilities of pursuing your dreams are endless!
Last updated on 06 Jul 2024
