The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) is inviting all interested individuals to attend an event taking place July 12, 2022 at the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy in Chicago.

Attendees will learn about the cultivation and harvesting of cocoa as well as the manufacture of chocolate. They will also learn how to taste chocolate through a guided tasting process in which they will learn to draw upon all of their senses to experience chocolate on a new level. This guided chocolate tasting will focus on Callebaut’s Five Colors of Chocolate: Milk, Dark, White, Gold and Ruby chocolates.

The event will be led by Mark Seaman, culinary applications chef for the Chocolate Academy in Chicago. He focuses on concept development for key accounts and chains as well as distributor relationship development.

As a cake design specialist, Seaman draws inspiration from the world of fashion and interior design where color and texture reign. Prior to joining Barry Callebaut, he owned a wedding cake boutique and retail bakery, and was named one of the Top 10 Cake Designers in North America in 2013 by Dessert Professional.

The Barry Callebaut Guided Chocolate Tasting costs $100 for current RBA members, $75 for current RBA Student members and $130 for non-members and guests.