Most of the chocolate I eat is for awards –I judge the International Chocolate Awards and several others. I also give feedback to companies on their chocolate and run online mystery tastings.
My advice if you’re thinking about a career
in chocolate? Read and research. When I started Chocolate Ecstasy Tours in 2005, I spent six months reading about chocolate, talking to staff in the chocolate shops, and attended tastings, fairs and festivals. My biggest fear was facing a customer who knew something I didn’t know about chocolate, and looking like a fraud. Dom
Ramsey’s book Indulge Your Inner Chocoholic is a good overview of the chocolate process, from bean to bar. Also, reach out to chocolatiers and the chocolate-makers and see if you can help them for a few days. I find that’s the easiest way to learn.