Academy of Chocolate Webinar – Crafting Excellence: South-East Asian Award-Winning Chocolate Makers on the World Stage
Saturday, 16th August 2025 12:00 - 13:00 BST
Online event
About this event
The Academy of Chocolate is excited to present our "In Conversation With" webinar series: Academy of Chocolate Webinar – Crafting Excellence: South-East Asian Award-Winning Chocolate Makers on the World Stage
In this hour-long session, we’ll explore the inspirations behind the unique flavour creations of three AOC Award Winners from South-East Asia: Akhil Grandhi from Bon Fiction (India/ US), Kelly Go from Auro Chocolate (Philippines), and Wilfred Ng from Benns Ethicoa (Malaysia).
We’ll discover how cultural influences shape their work, how they balance tradition with innovation, and how they adapt to market trends and engage with customers. The panel will also discuss the challenges they face, the impact of awards, and their approach to seasonal chocolates.
The event will be hosted by Cherrie Lo, a Board Member of the Academy of Chocolate and a long-standing Grand Jury judge for chocolate awards. With 17 years of experience in the chocolate industry, Cherrie has frequently appeared on global television and in magazines to promote the art of chocolate. She will be joined by a distinguished panel of AOC award winners for an engaging and insightful discussion.
We look forward to having you join us on this chocolate journey!
EVENT DETAILS
Date : Saturday 16th August 2025
Time : 12:00-13:00 (BST)
Price : £15 per person (Non-refundable)
Zoom link will be shared via registered email 1 day prior to event.
Registration deadline: Friday 15th August 2025, 12:00(BST)
Panelists:
Akhil Grandhi - Bon Fiction (India/ US)
Kelly Go - Auro Chocolate (Philippines)
Wilfred Ng - Benns Ethicoa (Malaysia)
Moderator:
Cherrie Lo - AOC Board Member
|About Akhil Grandhi - Bon Fiction (India/ US)|
Instagram: bonfiction
Website: www.bonfiction.com
Akhil Grandhi is the co-founder of Bon Fiction, an award-winning Indian tree-to-bar chocolate brand. Driven by a passion for crafting world-class chocolate in India, he combines entrepreneurial vision with a commitment to ethical, sustainable farming. With prior experience establishing a pineapple plantation in Uganda, Akhil brings a global perspective to local agriculture. At Bon Fiction, he and his co-founder transformed Godavari-grown cacao into internationally recognised artisanal chocolates, earning accolades for their quality and innovation. Akhil’s journey reflects his dedication to excellence, empowering farming communities, and redefining India’s standing in the global chocolate landscape.
|About Kelly Go - Auro Chocolate (Philippines)|
Instagram: aurochocolate
Website: https://aurochocolate.com
Kelly is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Auro Chocolate, an internationally awarded, tree-to-bar chocolate company based in the Philippines. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris, she returned home in 2015 to champion sustainable practices and revive the country’s rich cacao heritage. Under her and Mark’s leadership, Auro has grown from a startup into a globally recognized brand, known for its direct trade partnerships with Filipino farmers, fine flavor cacao, and innovative product lines. Today, Auro exports to over 25 countries and operates flagship cafés that celebrate bold, tropical flavors and the diversity of Filipino culture through chocolate.
|About Wilfred Ng - Benns Ethicoa (Malaysia)|
Instagram: bennsethicoa
Website: https://bennsethicoa.com
Benns Ethicoa is a Malaysian craft chocolate maker committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and flavor innovation. We work directly with local farmers to create bean-to-bar chocolates that highlight the unique terroir of Asian cacao. Every bar reflects our core values of transparency, craftsmanship, and respect for origin - delivering authentic, fine-flavor chocolate experiences rooted in culture and community. We don’t just make chocolate - we create it, one origin at a time
|About Cherrie Lo – Academy of Chocolate Board Member|
Instagram: cherrielo.chocolate
Website: www.cherrielo.com
Cherrie Lo is a renowned chocolate professional from Hong Kong, now based in London, with over 17 years of industry experience. She is a certified Chocolate Taster, Co-Author of CACAOSOURCE, and serves as a Board Member and Grand Jury member at the Academy of Chocolate and Judge at the Great Taste Awards.
Featured in numerous international media outlets, including TVB, ViuTV, Travel+Leisure, and the South China Morning Post, Cherrie has become a recognized authority in the chocolate industry. She frequently hosts chocolate tasting events, sharing her deep passion and expertise in chocolate trends and bridging the culinary worlds of Europe and Asia. Her insights and knowledge have made her a sought-after speaker and TV guest host, further establishing her influence in the global chocolate community.
