Vadodara: Baker’s Artisanal Recipes (BAR) is poised to enhance India’s chocolate scene with an exceptional two-day collaboration featuring Martin Christy, a renowned expert and advocate for craft chocolate. In a significant milestone for India’s craft chocolate industry, Baker’s Artisanal Recipes (BAR) will welcome Martin Christy, the founder of the International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting (IICCT) and the International Chocolate Awards. This exciting two-day event will take place on December 3 and 4, 2025, in Vadodara. This is the first time Vadodara will welcome him, a globally recognized expert of this caliber in the realm of chocolate.
Widely recognised as one of the leading experts in fine chocolate, Christy will be visiting the JaCaCo factory, the home of BAR Chocolates, and introducing Vadodara to the exquisite world of fine chocolate. As the founder of IICCT, which is the only global authority on Chocolate Tasting—akin to a Q Level Coffee Taster or a Master Sommelier in wine—his visits to India are extremely rare. This appearance presents a unique and exclusive opportunity for both enthusiasts and professionals throughout Gujarat. The event promises to captivate guests and industry experts alike, immersing them in the sensory experience of craft chocolate, all under the guidance of the individual who has set its international standards.
On the evening of December 3rd, BAR invites you to join us for Tasting the World’s Award-Winning Chocolate with Martin Christy in a relaxed atmosphere while sampling five award-winning chocolates from around the globe (venue to be confirmed). This intimate event is perfect for anyone who adores chocolate or is curious about the question, “What does award-winning chocolate truly taste like?” Prepare for a delightful journey through taste, texture, and terroir. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Martin Christy in person as he shares captivating stories from his extensive exploration of cacao origins and the art of fine chocolate making. Through a thoughtfully curated tasting of award-winning chocolates from various countries, guests will learn how fine chocolate is appreciated, evaluated, and celebrated on the world stage. This experience promises to be both indulgent and enlightening, offering an introduction to the artistry that transforms cacao into a luxurious sensory delight.
The excitement continues on December 4th at the JaCaCo Factory (The home of BAR Chocolates) with the International Chocolate Tasting Masterclass with Martin Christy , an immersive session on the nuances of craft and fine chocolate inspired by the globally respected IICCT (International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting) framework. Designed for chefs, chocolatiers, bakers, F&B professionals, and chocolate heads, this masterclass decodes the fundamentals of chocolate tasting, production, and craftsmanship and the appreciation of fine taste. Participants will explore chocolate from farm to bean to bar, learn essential terminology, understand what separates fine and craft chocolate from industrial varieties, and sharpen their sensorial awareness through guided tastings led by Martin Christy himself. The session concludes with an interactive Q&A and a bonus chocolate factory tour, offering learners a rare chance to deepen their understanding with direct insights from one of the world’s foremost chocolate experts. Given the specialized format, participation will be strictly limited, resulting in a high demand for attendance.
“Welcoming Martin to Vadodara is not just an event; it marks a significant milestone for India’s chocolate industry. We take pride in the fact that Vadodara will be the host city for this occasion.” – Team JaCaCo
Every participant will be awarded a Certificate of Participation from BAR and Martin Christy (IICCT), symbolizing their involvement in a burgeoning global movement that honors chocolate with the same respect as wine or specialty coffee. Established in 2021, BAR has rapidly emerged as one of India’s leading producers of premium couverture chocolate, emphasizing purity, precision, and a dedication to enhancing chocolate craftsmanship across the country. This partnership with Martin Christy embodies BAR’s mission to enhance world-class chocolate education, appreciation, and innovation within India’s vibrant community of creators and connoisseurs.