Cargill to offer fourth Chocolatier’s Workshop
The Chocolatier’s Workshop is a three-day, hands-on seminar created for confectioners and chocolatiers who want to start a confectionery business

Lititz, PA (July 27, 2009) – Cargill, owner of the Wilbur® chocolate and Peter’s® chocolate brands, announced today that it will offer a fourth session of The Chocolatier’s Workshop, its three-day seminar in Lititz, Pa, Nov. 9-11. The goal of The Chocolatier’s Workshop is to enable new entrants in the confectionery business to be more effective and successful.

“The Chocolatier’s Workshop focuses on the basics of building a successful confectionery business,” said Courtney LeDrew, marketing manager, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate. “This workshop is a great opportunity for confectioners and chocolatiers who have a passion for starting their own chocolate business.”

The workshop consists of two days in a classroom setting where participants will learn the fundamentals of starting a chocolate business: selecting a site, determining the product mix, selecting and purchasing equipment, learning about the fundamentals of marketing, advertising and branding and understanding the legal and operational landscape. The third day is a hands-on candy-making and tempering session, with Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate’s expert instructors.

Participants who attended the first session in November 2008 not only gained valuable information from the instructors, they also built a network of resources with the other workshop participants.

The introductory Chocolatier’s Workshop was held in November 2008, followed by the second workshop in May 2009. Participants came from across the country and from varying professional backgrounds. The upcoming session in September 2009 was filled before it was formally announced.

Mark Skinner, a participant of The Chocolatier’s Workshop, comments, “Thanks so much for such a well-organized and instructive three days. The Chocolatier’s Workshop was terrific; kudos to the instructors and all others who made it such a valuable experience!”

The Chocolatier's Workshop is limited to 10 participants who meet the workshop qualifications. Please contact Courtney LeDrew at 717-626-3478 or e-mail chocolate@cargill.com to register or for more information.