A Belgian pastry chef and one of Australia’s best chocolatiers celebrated Callebaut’s 100th anniversary by demonstrating exotic chocolate showpieces in November.

Belgium’s largest producer of high-quality chocolate together with Australian agent F.Mayer Imports invited 100 customers to The Bathers’ Pavilion on Sydney’s Balmoral beach. Callebaut chef Philippe Vancayseele and Callebaut ambassador for Australia Kirsten Tibball presented a demonstration on chocolate showpiece techniques as well as recipe ideas for handmade chocolates.

Better Homes and Gardens’ Fast Ed Halmagyi was guest MC at the event, inviting guest speakers such as F.Mayer Imports’ Gary Willis to give a brief history of the company’s growth in the Australian market.

Presentations were also made by Barry Callebaut president for Asia Pacific Maurizio Decio, global marketing manager Pascale Meulemeester and chief innovations officer Hans Vriens.

Han’s presentation was well received as he explained various trends in the chocolate market, with some interesting predictions for the future of chocolate.

Australia was one of only three countries selected in Asia Pacific to be a part of the 100-year celebration. According to Callebaut Asia Pacific vice president Paul Halliwell, Australia has become a significant market for Callebaut, with sales increasing 10 fold in the past 10 years.

The afternoon finished with a Callebaut chocolate dessert buffet and matching Belgian beers. The entire buffet was designed and created by Kirsten with the pastry team from The Bathers’ Pavilion working with her in production.