1911 – The Beginning
In 1911, in the small Belgia town of Wieze, Octaaf Callebaut created his first chocolate under the Salvator brand. The aroma of roasted cocoa beans quickly spread through the town, sparking a new passion for fine chocolate. From that day on, the love for authentic taste and the art of chocolate-making became the very heart of the Callebaut brand.
1920 to 1935 – Shaping a Lasting Taste
During the 1920s and 1930s, Octaaf Callebaut perfected his recipes with precision and care, creating legendary chocolates such as 811, 823, and W2 — flavors that continue to inspire chefs and chocolatiers around the world. His pursuit of excellence laid the foundation for the world’s trust in Belgian chocolate.
1958 to 1965 – The Innovative Leap
By the late 1950s, Charles Callebaut revolutionized chocolate production by inventing the liquid chocolate transfer method, making the process easier and more efficient for professionals. Soon after, Callebaut chocolates were exported globally for the first time, introducing the world to the authentic Belgian taste.
1988 – A Turning Point for Artisans
In 1988, Callebaut launched Callets™ ; small, easy-to-melt chocolate drops that transformed how professionals worked with couverture chocolate. That same year, the brand opened the Callebaut College, its first training center, dedicated to sharing knowledge and spreading the passion for chocolate craftsmanship worldwide.
1996 to 2006 – The Global Chapter
In 1996, Callebaut merged with the French brand Cacao Barry, forming the Barry Callebaut Group ; now a global powerhouse in chocolate innovation. While expanding internationally, Callebaut stayed true to its Belgian roots, introducing Origin Chocolates that celebrated the unique flavors of regions such as Arriba, Java, and São Tomé.
2011 to 2014 – Legacy of Sustainability & Education
Marking its centenary in 2011, Callebaut celebrated with chocolate artisans worldwide and launched the Growing Great Chocolate program; empowering African farmers and promoting sustainable cocoa cultivation. In 2014, the brand inaugurated a new Chocolate Academy™ Center in Wieze, a hub for inspiration, creativity, and knowledge exchange among chefs and chocolatiers.
2018 to 2019 – The Birth of a New Generation
In 2018, Callebaut amazed the world with the creation of Ruby Chocolate — the fourth type of chocolate, naturally pink with a fruity, vibrant taste and no added color or flavor. In 2019, the brand renewed its classic recipes, achieving richer taste, better performance, and even more sustainable cocoa sourcing.
2021 – The Dawn of Green Chocolate
Continuing its journey of innovation, Callebaut launched NXT, its first 100% plant-based, dairy-free chocolate range. NXT represents the next generation of chocolate; where taste, quality, and responsibility go hand in hand, reflecting the values of a sustainable and mindful future.

Callebaut at a glance

Why Callebaut

MASTERY FROM BEAN TO BAR

At Callebaut, mastery begins at the source.
From the careful selection of cocoa beans to crafting the final chocolate, every step reflects precision, consistency, and creativity.

Our philosophy (From Bean to Bar) ensures that every chocolate embodies three dimensions of experience:

  • Recipe
  • Origin 
  • Process

Together, they create a flavor, aroma and mouthfeel that define true Belgian chocolate craftsmanship.

A Global Language of Culinary Creativity

Callebaut is more than a brand; it’s a shared language of artistry and passion connecting chefs around the world.
Through the Callebaut community, with over 80 Chocolate Academy™ centers worldwide, we inspire professionals to learn, innovate, and co-create.
In Callebaut culture, every chocolate creation begins with collaboration; because creativity thrives in connection.

“Callebaut has always been part of my kitchen; now it’s part of my creative identity.”
— Martin Diez, Pastry Chef

In Tune with Professional Needs

Every Callebaut product is crafted with one goal; to empower chefs and artisans with reliable, high-performing chocolate.
Our chocolates are designed to deliver rich, diverse flavors and consistent results, whether in pâtisserie, confectionery or bakery creations.
Callebaut listens, learns, and evolves alongside professionals to meet the ever-changing demands of modern kitchens.

“We grow together; from your inspiration to our innovation, until perfection is achieved.”

Callebaut Philosophy

Science and Creativity in Flavor

Flavor is where craftsmanship meets science.

Using sensory tools like the Taste Wheel™, Callebaut helps chefs decode, analyze and engineer taste.
This scientific approach enables professionals to :

  • Discover new flavor harmonies.

  • Understand the sensory depth of ingredients.

  • Create recipes with precision and emotion.

For Callebaut, flavor is not just something we make; it’s something we design.

Callebaut Products
Inclusions
Instants & Mixes
Toppings & Sauces
Decorations
Coatings & Fillings
Chocolate

Callebaut’s Vision for the Future

Callebaut has built its growth path on sustainability, transparency and ethical development in its cocoa supply chain. In partnership with Cocoa Horizons, the brand is working to transform cocoa farming from a purely subsistence activity to a sustainable, profitable and socially responsible model. Supporting tens of thousands of farmers, promoting gender equality, protecting children and restoring ecosystems in cocoa-growing regions are just some of the initiatives that demonstrate that Callebaut sees product quality alongside human and environmental well-being. The “Trace to Origin” approach also ensures that every cocoa bean is followed with complete transparency from farm to chocolate, strengthening consumer trust.

With a focus on creating premium, ethical chocolate that reflects the origin of the beans, Callebaut has proven its commitment to innovation and global responsibility. The ultimate goal is for each product to be a symbol of regenerative agriculture, reducing environmental impact and improving the livelihoods of the producing communities. This approach has made Callebaut an inspiring model in the chocolate industry, where impeccable taste, sustainability and humanism go hand in hand.

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