Qzina Specialty Foods, an importer and distributor of specialty chocolate, pastry and desserts, has opened a training and R&D facility in Irvine, Calif., for chocolatiers and pastry chefs called the Qzina Institute of Chocolate & Pastry. The institute is not yet open to the public.
Pioneered by Qzina founder and CEO Richard Foley, the $3.5 million Qzina Institute features a state-of-the-art demonstration auditorium with a fully-equipped test kitchen where presentations led by top pastry chefs and master chocolatiers will be held. The institute also features a showroom displaying Qzina’s industry-leading brands where customers can select and order products.
“The vision of the Qzina Institute is to provide a place for professionals to experience the best of the chocolate and pastry industry,” said Foley in a press release. “Our goal is to help chefs expand their dessert repertoire and bring new creations to their guests. Customers who visit the institute will be inspired and surprised with what they can make and learn.”
The institute also offers a Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Lab where participants can make their own chocolate from start to finish in a two-day chocolate production program. During an exciting two-day program, Qzina takes guests through the history of chocolate, from the Mayan origins to modern day production.
To celebrate the grand opening of the Qzina Institute, which coincides with the company’s 30th anniversary, Qzina is planning a large unveiling event. For more information, visit www.qzina.com.
