Chef Vinesh Johny Honored in Callebaut's 'Born Original' Cam

Chef Vinesh Johny Celebrated as 'Born Original' Chef in Callebaut's Global Campaign

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 18, 2024

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Callebaut, the home of the finest Belgian chocolate since 1911, proudly launches its 'Born Original' campaign within Asia's vibrant culinary scene by honoring Chef Vinesh Johny as the region's first official Born Original Chef. This initiative celebrates visionary chefs who inspire through their unique culinary journeys and embody originality.

The 'Born Original' concept underscores the deep connection between the brand and the chefs it supports, both true originals in their fields. Callebaut, renowned for its original taste of Belgium, understands the challenges chefs and artisans face and stands by them as they create and innovate.

Chef Vinesh Johny, co-founder of Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts in Bengaluru, India, epitomizes the 'Born Original' ethos. From humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in Indian pastry arts, his story is one of resilience, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His first encounter with Callebaut chocolate ignited a fervor for pastry, driving his innovation and creativity.

Reflecting on his journey, Chef Vinesh Johny shared, "I wasn’t made for schools and textbooks, but I was born to use my hands and create. The discovery of quality chocolate was a revelation that set my passion for pastry ablaze. With Callebaut, I've found a medium that allows me to push the boundaries of creativity. Being a part of the Born Original campaign was a very organic collaboration for me personally, and I’m thrilled to be representing Callebaut Born Original in India & Asia."

Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut Cocoa and Chocolate Ingredients, India, emphasized the significance of supporting chefs in their creative endeavors. "Every artisan and chef strives to differentiate themselves and create delights that excite customers. By collaborating with Chef Vinesh Johny, we feel the message will be delivered to our end consumers and create an impact correctly. As chocolate rises in India and the region emerges as the future of chocolate, we stand by our chefs as a steadfast partner, providing the original chocolate they can count on to pursue their passion."

Xuan-Lai Huynh, Global Brand Leader - Callebaut, added, "We are committed to demonstrating our unwavering dedication to our customers. By prioritizing service excellence and reaffirming our values, we empower chefs and artisans worldwide to continue creating their finest works with Callebaut, the original taste of Belgium."

So far, the campaign has featured stories of Sebastian Pettersson, a pastry chef and chocolatier in Sweden; Anaïs Gaudemer, a floral pastry chef in Brussels; Nicolas Nikolakopoulos, a pastry chef and desserts designer in Greece; and Lungi Mhlanga, a bakery chef in London. Chef Vinesh’s story will go live digitally on June 14, 2024, on the Callebaut global and India channels. The series will emphasize his major role in revolutionizing the Indian pastry landscape and bringing local talent to the global stage.

For more information on Born Original and to discover inspiring recipes, visit www.callebaut.com

About Callebaut:

In 1911, Octaaf Callebaut surprised his brothers by presenting them with his first chocolate, made in secrecy in the heart of the family-owned brewery in Wieze. Octaaf had acquired the craft during a six-month internship with a Parisian chocolate-making company. No one knew.

Octaaf’s entrepreneurial dream would create a big shift for the family company. Octaaf’s recipes quickly found their way to the hearts of Belgian consumers. But the business started taking off when Octaaf and his brother Richard focused on making chocolate for Belgian chocolatiers and professionals.

They created unique and high-quality recipes for professionals such as the 811, the 823, and the W2: iconic chocolate recipes that to this very day are preferred by chefs and artisans around the world. Throughout the years, Callebaut kept perfecting the craft from bean-to-bar and innovated with the very first transportation of liquid chocolate to its customers, the invention of Callets™ made it easier to dose, melt and temper chocolate, the launch of ruby chocolate, and the creation of the NXT dairy-free chocolate for professionals in response to the rise of delicious plant-based products.

In 2011, Callebaut also made a bold shift to sustainable cocoa for all its chocolate recipes, leading to the first fully traceable chocolates in 2020 in partnership with Cocoa Horizons. Throughout all its activities, the spirit of founding father Octaaf Callebaut lingers on. His entrepreneurial spirit – always in pursuit of better – has been the guiding principle for Callebaut to keep feeding the dreams and ambitions of artisans and chefs worldwide. From young starting professionals to mature chocolatiers who want to grow their business, it’s Callebaut’s mission to support artisans in making their mark.

Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 8, 2025

This July, immerse yourself in pure chocolate bliss as Dolci celebrates World Chocolate Day with a stunning collection of handcrafted creations designed to delight every chocolate lover. From silky truffles to indulgent cakes, each dessert showcases Dolci’s dedication to premium chocolate craftsmanship, promising an experience that’s rich, luxurious, and unforgettable.

Whether treating yourself to a moment of indulgence or sharing sweet memories with friends and family, this specially curated collection is crafted to satisfy even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs. With a strong commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques, every bite at Dolci celebrates the rich heritage of fine chocolate.

At the core of each creation is the world-renowned Callebaut chocolate from Belgium, known for its exceptional quality and deep flavour profile. This premium chocolate forms the foundation of all Dolci’s chocolate offerings, ensuring each dessert delivers the authentic taste and smooth texture that true chocolate enthusiasts seek.

Event Details:

Date: July 7, 2025
Venues: Dolci outlets at Cunningham Road, New BEL Road, and Lavelle Road, Bengaluru

Featured treats include:

Fresh Cream Truffle
Matilda Cake
Chocolate Noisette
Chocolate Praline
Chocolate Éclair
Gooey Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent, and crafted with love — this isn’t just dessert, it’s a celebration of chocolate at its finest. Each creation is a testament to artisanal excellence, blending classic methods with a touch of contemporary flair.

Step into Dolci this World Chocolate Day and discover why for true chocolate lovers, quality always comes first.

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Published on July 8, 2025

This World Chocolate Day, Conrad Pune is making the city’s sweetest dreams come true with an exclusive celebration titled The Chocolate Chapter, hosted at the beloved Pune Sugar Box. From 6th to 16th July, dessert lovers can dive into a special chocolate menu featuring decadent creations like Passion Fruit Gel Bonbons, Pan Bahar Bonbons, Irish Maple bites, and indulgent Nama Chocolate, all handcrafted to perfection.

The celebration reaches its peak on 7th July with an exclusive invite-only chocolate tasting and high tea event from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, led by award-winning pastry chef Krutika Gawas. With over 8.5 years of expertise in French patisserie and a recent win at a prestigious French pastry competition, Chef Krutika offers guests an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience into the world of chocolate making.

The highlight includes uncovering the "Conrad Chocolate Secret" and exploring a curated chocolate tasting paired with a beautiful high tea setup. Whether you're attending the workshop or simply dropping by Pune Sugar Box for the chocolate menu, this celebration promises a sensorial journey through flavours and artistry that makes World Chocolate Day a truly memorable affair.