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PROGRAM

MASTERING

CACAO

DEVELOPING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Mastering cacao comes from both knowledge and practice. To truly understand it, one must explore its intricate history, science, and cultural significance while refining the technical skills needed to work with it—from understanding flavor dynamics to crafting the perfect cacao-based beverage.

 

MASTERING CACAO is designed for professionals who seek to deepen their cacao knowledge, develop hands-on expertise with cacao drinks, and implement cacao’s diversity to their offering, ensuring a well-rounded mastery of cacao.

01 Torréfaction 22-108

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

BARISTAS & SPECIALTY CAFÉS

Learning the art of cacao drinks, from traditional methods
to modern innovations.

CACAO & CHOCOLATE PROFESSIONALS

Deep-diving into sensory analysis, cacao genetics, and terroir expressions.

INDUSTRY & CULINARY PROFESSIONALS

Gaining a solid foundation
in cacao’s origins, processing, and applications.

ALL-IN-ONE APPROACH

LEVEL 1 & 2 — COMBINED

This two-level program offers a complete introduction to origin cacao, combining foundational knowledge with deeper exploration and hands-on practice. It is designed for culinary professionals who want to move from basic understanding to confidently working with cacao as an ingredient and beverage.

 

  • The first level builds essential cacao literacy, introducing participants to the origins of cacao, the differences between industrial products and origin cacao, and the emergence of cacao drinks as a distinct beverage category.

 

  • The second level expands this foundation by exploring cacao in greater depth — including botany, genetic diversity, terroir, and the transformation from tree to drinkable product. The program also addresses the historical and ethical dynamics shaping today’s cacao industry.

 

Throughout the program, theory is paired with guided practice. Participants learn preparation methods, develop their sensory evaluation skills, and take part in structured tastings of several origin cacaos. Comparative cuppings help reveal how origin, processing, and craftsmanship influence flavor.

 

By the end of the program, participants gain the knowledge and sensory tools needed to understand, taste, and begin working with origin cacao professionally.

IMPLEMENTING CACAO TO YOUR OFFERING

As part of the Mastering Cacao pathway, this applied module helps professionals translate cacao knowledge into a coherent and practical offering within cafés, restaurants, or pastry programs.

 

Participants explore how cacao drinks can be positioned within a beverage menu, how different cacao formats can be integrated into existing workflows, and how to balance flavor complexity with operational simplicity.

 

The process includes:

  • recipe exploration,
  • preparation techniques,
  • pricing considerations,
  • and staff knowledge transfer, ensuring the resulting cacao program fits the realities of the business.

 

Alongside menu development, the program also introduces participants to the contemporary landscape of origin cacao producers.

Through comparative tastings and discussions, professionals gain insight into:

  • the diversity of sourcing models,
  • product formats,
  • and levels of transparency that shape the market today.

This curated orientation highlights producers whose work reflects the quality, ethics, and flavor diversity of modern origin cacao, helping participants navigate sourcing choices with clarity and confidence.

UNDERSTANDING CACAO FROM BEAN TO CUP

Through a complete immersion, we help professionals build confidence in their sourcing and storytelling, and guide them in the design of their menus and offering.
Learn about cacao terroirs, diverse transformation techniques and understand the intricacies of today’s market.
Experiment the effects of Origin Cacao firsthand, understand its health benefits and the potential of integrating it to one’s lifestyle. 
MORE ABOUT OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES →
Need more info regarding our training programs or services?
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HOW TO JOIN A TRAINING?

Each training is designed to meet the specific needs of professionals.

Whether you want a private session, a team training, or a curated program, we tailor our offerings to you.

Simply send us a request, or book a call with us so we can discuss your needs and find the right training format.

CONTACT US →

FOLLOW-UP & SUPPORT

Beyond the training

Implementing a cacao program often requires continued refinement.

For clients who wish to continue the collaboration, we offer ongoing advisory support, which may include:

 

  • seasonal menu updates

  • recipe development

  • sourcing guidance

  • introduction to new cacao producers and products

  • staff refresher sessions

 

This allows businesses to evolve their cacao offering over time while staying connected to developments in the world of origin cacao.