Meet Eduardo Kasahara
I’m a Brazilian born living in France for over 15 years. A chocolate enthusiast, though not working directly with it on a daily basis, under a continuous journey of learning around chocolate and its value chain. I have completed Levels 1 and 2 chocolate tasting and Levels 1 and 2 Cacao Evaluation and flavor profiling with IICCT.
Meet Stephen Gilgunn
I’m an Irish native living in Paris for over 30 years, with a culinary background as a trained chef. As a food tour guide, I’ve explored food cultures globally, visiting cocoa plantations and fermentation centers in Colombia. Currently, I’m studying with the Academy of Cheese and I am a “French wine scholar”. I’ve also completed courses in gastronomic tourism with Cordon Bleu school and chocolate tasting Level 1 and 2 with IICCT.
Meet Carolina Giraldo
While I’m based in London, I spent 12 years in Colombia collaborating on social development initiatives to address complex social issues in Colombia. This journey led me to Asociación Guardabosques de la Sierra that inspired me to not only embarked on a journey exploring cacao but also reconnect with my Colombian heritage in a meaningful way. I co-founded of “LaSierra.co, a cacao journey driven by the origin” where we provide consultancy for development projects in cacao farming with Guardabosques de la Sierra in Colombia. Currently, in London, I am collaborating with a chef at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, whom I met during my previous role at Greensmiths, a top-quality grocer in Lower Marsh. At Greensmiths, I introduced the chocolate section featuring various bean-to-bar products. I’m proud to say it’s likely the only shop in London where you can select high-quality chocolates, primarily from the UK but focusing on origins, the more the merrier. Additionally, I am currently developing our own cacao derivative products, experimenting in the kitchens and working with people in the food industry in London, Barranquilla and Santa Marta.
Meet Nicola Knight
I’m a teacher and mum of 3, over the last 7 years I’ve built a chocolate education business teaching in schools around the UK and a bean-to-bar brand (Exe Chocolate), handcrafting chocolate in small batches in my tiny chocolate factory. My current focus is on keeping up with growing demand for my chocolate!
Meet Mary Luz Mejia
I’m a Colombian-born, Canadian-raised chocolate and gastronomy loving, globe-traveling, food and travel writer. I’m Canada’s first Level III taster. I lead sensory tastings with a side of education all over the Greater Toronto Area and with my husband, Mario who has WSET III designation, we design custom liqueur/spirits and chocolate pairings for private clients.
Meet our new alumni interviewer – Sanja Vladovic
Look out for the monthly