Want to be a chocolate connoisseur?

Find out how you can pursue an exciting career as a chocolatier in India and abroad.

Each one of us, has at least once in our lives, wanted to visit that chocolate factory and see what it is like to be in the shoes of Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

For many youngsters today, this dream has taken the shape of a career -- that of a chocolatier.

Chocolates are dear friends in moments of celebration and even depression.

But chocolates don't just add inches to your waist; they can also add money to your bank account if you take on the role of a chocolatier.

A chocolatier is someone who makes confectionery from chocolate.

Chocolatiers are distinct from chocolate makers, who create chocolate from cacao beans and other ingredients.

Courtesy:YouthIncMag.com

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No specific work timings

Most chocolatiers work from home.

A typical day in the life of a chocolatier is extremely fascinating.

Suman Tripathy, a chocolatier from the past 15 years says that there is no fixed schedule, as work depends on the kind and number of orders each day.

Most days begin at nine in the morning after a hearty breakfast with preparing the chocolate.

Earlier chocolate was made the traditional way with cocoa powder, milk powder and cocoa butter, but now chocolate slabs are readily available in the market for chocolatiers to work with.

Based on the kind of orders, the centres for the chocolates are prepared and then put into moulds to set.

Many a times these moulds have to be custom-made as in the case of orders that ask for names of the bride and groom or even a company logo on the confectionery.

Festival drama: Time for business

Come festivals and the busiest time in the life of a chocolatier is here.

Be it the Diwali specific orders like a chocolate Ganpati or Christmas specific ones like chocolate Santa Claus, festivals bring out the best in a chocolatier.

"We mostly get corporate orders during festivals such as Christmas and Diwali," says Tripathy.

On such days a fixed routine is followed. Preparations begin 15 to 20 days in advance.

Though most chocolatiers work alone, at times like this extra help is hired, though only for wrapping and packing chocolates.

The final touches are always made by the chocolatier.

"It’s the quality and extra touches you put in that help you win customers," is what Tripathy has to say.

At times like this, work goes on till the wee hours of the morning. But then again, time spent with chocolate is never time wasted.

Custom-made chocolates

Rachna, a newly-wed, wanted the guests at her wedding to get something special.

So she got her and her husband's names carved out of chocolate for each guest. Tripathy recalls creating a bouquet of 25 silver chocolate tulips for a silver jubilee wedding celebration.

Fancy a twist on Ganesh Chaturthi? A custom-made chocolate modak thali is ready for you!

But nothing beats the chocolate ring box carved entirely out of chocolate, including the edible chocolate ring that Tripathy created as a Valentine's Day order for one of her clients.

Innovation: A chocolatier's mantra

The main point which Tripathy emphasises on to make a successful career out of chocolate is INNOVATION.

With so many chocolatiers entering the market every day, the only thing that can set you apart is your creativity.

She would know; her most famous creation is chocolate with a green chilly infused centre.

Be it a custom made chocolate modak thali, chocolate shaped like a company logo or a chocolates with a centre that suits your taste and specifications; innovation is integral.

Skill sets required

Artistic ability, knowledge of chocolate flavours and textures, and most importantly, innovation.

Where to study

• Chocolate Academy, Mumbai
• Barry Callebaut India Private Limited, Mumbai
• Craft and Social Development Organisation, (CSDO), New Delhi

Remuneration

With the most basic chocolates selling at Rs 800 per kg, monthly income is around Rs 40,000 to 50,000.

The five best things about being a chocolatier:

1. CHOCOLATE all day long!
2. You get to keep in touch with the latest trends
3. You'll be fulfilling wishes; everything after all is custom made!
4. It is feasible for those who want alternate careers.
5. You can make money out of something that is your passion