Sweet toothed team building

A NEW alternative and foodie orientated team building business has been launched with a very definite chocolate flavour.

The Ministry of Chocolate is the brainchild of Huddersfield-based chocolatier Carl Turner.

The firm offers team building events such as creating and marketing a chocolate and a variety of chocolate workshops and presentations including on the history and origin of chocolate, how it’s made, how to professionally taste it and about Fairtrade principles and practice.

Easy and fun cookery demonstrations are also offered.

Mr Turner, who has worked with a number of food manufacturers including Cadbury and Divine, as well as for Premier Foods said: “Having a life-long interest in chocolate with all with its history, glory and splendour, setting up the Ministry enabled me to combine my passion for chocolate with my passion for business.

“If we can encourage people to eat more Fairtrade chocolate then we will have also helped improve the working conditions of the many people who work on the cacao plantations around the world.”

Although the venture has only recently been launched, Mr Turner is already considering a franchise option.

“I’m regularly asked to speak at events up and down the country as well as heading the courses. Obviously I can’t be in all places at the same time.

“It’s early days, but franchising seems a sensible way to go.”

Chocolate devottes won’t need any persuading, but the Ministry of Chocolate does offer a gentler and more sophisticated team building activity than paint balling or physical outdoor challenges.

“Chocolate is more complex than wine,” added Mr Turner.

“Obviously we take into account that it should be eaten in moderation, but it’s something that is immensley enjoyable.”