As a chef, your desserts tell a story – one of passion, precision, and exceptional ingredients. That’s why choosing Callebaut isn’t just about getting the best chocolate, it’s about choosing the finest cocoa beans – ethically sourced and crafted with care. Since 1911, we’ve honed the art of chocolate making in Belgium, where every step of the process reflects a rich heritage and commitment to quality. 

To do justice to the work of the cocoa farmers, we roast whole beans, protected in their shells, using a unique continuous-flow method. This process exposes the beans to moderate heat for a limited time, awakening both the powerful cocoa flavours inside and the delicate aromas from the outside. We believe this is the best way to bring out the full potential of every bean, ensuring a balanced, rich taste in every bite of your chocolate creations, from intricate plated desserts to hedonistic baked goods. 

Cocoa is a natural crop, so variations in taste are inevitable due to the soil, climate, and seasons. That’s why our master blenders fine-tune blends from the Ivory Coast (for that iconic chocolaty body), Ghana (for a fruity touch), and Ecuador (for bitterness) to recreate the distinctive Callebaut flavour again and again. The result? Chocolate that elevates your desserts, whether it’s a silky ganache, a rich mousse, or an indulgent tart. With Callebaut, your creations will be as unique and refined as your culinary craft. 

Callebaut’s commitment to a sustainable future with cocoa farmers
Every chef has a choice when sourcing ingredients, and with that choice comes the opportunity to craft not just a delicious dessert, but to positively impact the lives of farmers, supporting their communities and fostering a more sustainable future. By choosing Callebaut, a portion of your purchase goes back into the Cocoa Horizons programme. Together, we’re making a difference – one piece of chocolate at a time. 

Since 2015, we’ve worked alongside 46 000 cocoa farmers through our partnership with Cocoa Horizons to create lasting change in cocoa farming. Our mission is simple: to transform cocoa farming into a sustainable, empowering venture for farmers and their communities. 

Through our contributions to Cocoa Horizons, we’ve paid €6.9 million in premiums, part of which goes directly to the farmers, while the rest supports local community development and environmental preservation. This ensures that the chocolate you use doesn’t just taste good but also does good for the people who grow it. 

Every time you work with our chocolate, you’re ensuring that your dishes tell a story – one of sustainability, exceptional flavour, and craftsmanship. And just like your guests, you’ll taste the difference.  

Our three key sustainability actions: reshaping cocoa farming, empowering communities, and reviving ecosystems
At Callebaut, we know that the path to a sustainable cocoa industry begins with the farmers. Most cocoa farmers are smallholders, many of whom struggle to invest in their farms. Through Cocoa Horizons, we provide personalised support to help farmers improve their yield and income. We offer guidance on farming practices, supply soil inputs and planting materials, and even pay premiums to incentivise sustainable practices. By helping farmers boost productivity, we ensure they can continue to thrive while keeping their farms productive long term. 

But it’s not just about the farms – it’s about the communities too. Child labour remains a significant issue in the cocoa supply chain, especially in rural, family-owned farms. That’s why we focus on empowering these communities by supporting local child protection systems and providing access to education. Together, we’re ensuring that future generations of farmers have the opportunity to succeed without exploitation. 

Finally, we’re working to revive ecosystems that support cocoa production. As forests shrink, so does the shade that cocoa trees need to thrive. To combat this, we’re investing in agroforestry – planting forest trees alongside cocoa trees to enhance biodiversity, conserve water, and regenerate soil. This not only helps the cocoa trees grow stronger and more resilient, but it also protects the vital ecosystems that support farming communities. 

By choosing Callebaut, you’re part of this journey to reshape cocoa farming, empower communities, and revive ecosystems. With every dessert you create, you’re helping to build a more sustainable and equitable future for the entire cocoa industry. 

Callebaut sponsors the Eat Out Callebaut Dessert Award, which will be announced on 31 March at the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. Stay tuned to our platforms for updates!