(PMCA — November 11, 2025) — For the first time, Blommer Chocolate Company welcomed PMCA to its R&D Center in Chicago, IL to host the Chocolate Manufacturing for Professionals course. Sixteen attendees from seven unique companies participated.
Six knowledgeable, highly-skilled instructors provided a mix of classroom and hands-on training on topics including cocoa origins, the manufacturing process, formulations and applications. Attendees tasted liquor, pastes and refined flakes, learned the importance of viscosity and practiced various methods of tempering. Attendees took home bars they tempered and molded themselves as well as various chocolate-enrobed treats.
Attendee commentary:
“The connection between the lectures and labs was great. I learned lots of new material and was not afraid to ask questions. Great general atmosphere of shared learning space and acceptance of all knowledge backgrounds. Loved this, had a great time and learned loads!”
“Every presenter was so knowledgeable. I appreciated how complex processes were broken down into understandable content.”
Attendees earning a certificate of completion:
Suz Agro, The Hershey Company
Luisa Bermudez, Institute of Cacao & Chocolate Research
Rijo Daniel, McCarter Chocolate Equipment
Krystle Emanuele, The Hershey Company
Wyli Erlechman, ofi,
Rachel Fehring, Ferrero
Chester Hughes, The Hershey Company
Sarah Kelley, The Hershey Company
Jose Lopez Ganem, Institute of Cacao & Chocolate Research
Kevin Madison, D. Madison Solutions
Sarah Samuel, The Hershey Company
Jared Smith, DSM-Firmenich
Lily Snyder, The Hershey Company
Jack Stancker, McCarter Chocolate Equipment
Amalie Younes, The Hershey Company
PMCA is grateful to the individuals and companies that graciously donated instructors, ingredients, products or other items to the success of the course as follows:
Instructors:
Charles Quinto, Blommer Chocolate Company – Lead Instructor, Course Development
Brian Baker, The Hershey Company
Madeline Bills, ofi
Margaret Crance, Blommer Chocolate Company
Zachary Freed, Blommer Chocolate Company
Rebecca Kuehn, Guittard Chocolate Company
Facility Manager & Logistics Coordinator: Monica Caparosa, Blommer Chocolate Company
Attendee gift bag donations:
Blommer Chocolate Company
Guittard Chocolate Company
ofi
Tricor Systems, Inc.
Temper meter loan: Tricor Systems, Inc.
About PMCA
PMCA is an international organization that enhances the companies and careers of confectionery and snack professionals through inspired learning and the building of long-term personal connections, which empowers our members to create products that bring people joy.