Finest Belgian Chocolate, from generation to generation
Callebaut has been making chocolate in the heart of Belgium for over 100 years. Founder Octaaf Callebaut was the grandson of a beer brewer, but passionate about chocolate, and in 1911 he began making artisanal chocolate at the family brewery in the eastern Flemish town of Wieze. Over the years, he formulated the recipes for Callebaut’s iconic Belgian chocolates, including dark chocolate 811, milk chocolate 823 and white chocolate W2. The recipes have been handed down from generation to generation by Callebaut’s craftsmen in Wieze ever since. Today, the chocolate is still made inspired by Octaaf’s authentic procedure, using a special blend of beans roasted in the shell, which makes Callebaut’s Finest Belgian Chocolates so unique.
Crafted in Belgium from bean to chocolate
For over 100 years, Callebaut has been the only gourmet chocolate maker to carry out the complete chocolate production process – from cocoa bean to chocolate – entirely in Belgium, combining the world’s best cocoa beans with the most refined local ingredients. Callebaut has produced chocolates that have won the loyalty of artisanal professionals around the world thanks to their great and consistent flavor, reliable quality and ease of use. Callebaut chocolate gets its unique taste from a specific blend of beans roasted in their shells, a traditional roasting method that ensures that the rich, essential flavors are retained. Only after roasting has been completed the shells are broken so that the beans can be crafted into delicious chocolate.
Sustainable chocolate
Since 2012, Callebaut’s entire basic range supports sustainable cocoa cultivation. Callebaut was the first brand to partner up with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation, which has a mission to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities through the promotion of sustainable, entrepreneurial farming, improved productivity and community development.
Chocolate Academy™ Center
In Wieze, the birthplace of Belgian chocolate, Callebaut, opened its first Chocolate Academy™ over 25 years ago. This training center is the flagship site of the current network of 19 Chocolate Academy centers across the world. All chocolate professionals are welcome to attend training and continuing education sessions to improve their chocolate and pastry making skills. Each year, more than 2,000 people visit the Chocolate Academy in Wieze to learn the secrets of Belgian chocolate.
Callebaut® is part of Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa, chocolate and confectionery products. Find out more at www.barry-callebaut.com.
