Meet the Makers, Educators & Experts of Chocolate Education
- PACC
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
One of the highlights of the Pennsylvania Chocolate & Coffee Festival isn't just the chocolate, it's the opportunity to meet the passionate people behind it.
This year's Chocolate Education Classroom brings together an exceptional group of chocolate makers, educators, authors, and industry experts, each with a unique story to tell. From multi-generational cacao traditions in Ecuador to award-winning bean-to-bar craftsmanship, these speakers will take you beyond the tasting table and into the fascinating world of chocolate.
Whether they're sharing firsthand experiences from cacao farms, exploring centuries of chocolate history, or demonstrating the artistry behind fine chocolate, each seminar offers a chance to learn directly from the people shaping today's chocolate industry.
Get to know this year's speakers before you join them in the Chocolate Education Classroom.
Leila Carvajal Erker
CocoaSupply
Raised in Ecuador in a multi-generational cacao family, Leila Carvajal Erker's passion for cacao began at home. Today, she leads CocoaSupply, combining her family's heritage with a passion for sustainable and ethical cacao sourcing while sharing the story behind every bean.
Liang Wang
KESSHŌ Craft Chocolate
From Beijing to Tokyo and beyond, Liang Wang's passion for pastry led her from a successful bakery in China to the world of bean-to-bar chocolate. Today, as co-owner of KESSHŌ Craft Chocolate, she creates award-winning chocolate and gelatos inspired by Asian flavors and exceptional craftsmanship.
Nettie Atkisson
Author of The Chocolate Seed
Driven by a love for cacao and the stories behind it, author and certified chocolate educator Nettie Atkisson creates immersive tasting experiences that bring people together through history, flavor, and connection. Her journey has taken her from the Dominican Republic to Costa Rica, deepening her appreciation for cacao from bean to bar.
Estelle Tracy
37 Chocolates
What began as a challenge to review 37 chocolate bars for her 37th birthday sparked Estelle Tracy's passion for bean-to-bar chocolate. Today, the award-winning food writer, author, chocolate sommelier, and founder of 37 Chocolates shares that passion through chocolate education and tastings worldwide.
Sally McFadyen
Argencove Chocolate
From cacao tree to chocolate bar, Sally McFadyen co-founded Argencove Chocolate, crafting award-winning, farm-to-table chocolate. Guided by sustainable agroforestry, she and her team care for the land and cacao trees while creating exceptional artisan chocolate.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your appreciation for fine chocolate or simply curious to learn something new, these experts are ready to share their knowledge, stories, and passion with you.
Your festival ticket includes free access to all seminars and workshops, so you can learn, taste, and explore as much as you’d like throughout the weekend. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Chocolate Education Classroom this October!
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