Academy of Chocolate Webinar – From Bean to Border
Academy of Chocolate Webinar – From Bean to Border
Academy of Chocolate Webinar – From Bean to Border: Navigating Craft Chocolate Across the UK, US & Europe
EVENT DETAILS
Date : Monday, 7th September 2026
Time : 19:00-20:00 BST (UK) / 19:00-20:00 WEST (Portugal) / 14:00-15:00 EDT (US Eastern)
Price : Free of Charge
Zoom link will be shared via registered email prior to event. Webinar recording video will be available exclusively to AOC members.
Registration deadline: Sunday, 6th Sep 2026, 12:00 BST (UK)
📍Online – Register now for your complimentary ticket
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/academy-of-chocolate-webinar-from-bean-to-border-tickets-1997451828188?
ABOUT THIS EVENT
What makes a craft chocolate market thrive?
Beyond the chocolate itself, a wider ecosystem of consumers, retailers, educators, judges, events and industry communities shapes how craft chocolate is discovered, understood and enjoyed.
In this hour-long Academy of Chocolate webinar, we bring together three renowned chocolate judges and industry experts from the United Kingdom, United States and Portugal:
- Tommy Purkis – United Kingdom
- Nettie Atkisson – United States
- Rosario da Cunha Brandão – Portugal
Each panellist brings first-hand experience of their local market through judging, hosting chocolate tastings for private and corporate groups, and participating in chocolate festivals and industry events around the world.
Together, we’ll explore how consumer tastes and expectations differ across markets, what local palates tell us about chocolate preferences, and the role of retail, education, awards, events and industry communities in shaping the craft chocolate landscape.
Looking beyond makers and products, our panellists will share insights from the different perspectives they bring to the industry, exploring what makes each market unique and what different chocolate communities can learn from one another.
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 18 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 chocolate experts & award judges for an engaging and insightful discussion.
What can different chocolate markets learn from each other – and what does it take to build a truly thriving craft chocolate culture?
We look forward to having you join us on this chocolate journey!
Panelists:
Tommy Purkis – United Kingdom
Nettie Atkisson – United States
Rosario da Cunha Brandão – Portugal
Moderator:
Cherrie Lo – AOC Board Member
|About Tommy Purkis – United Kingdom|
Instagram: tommycacao
An avid cacao aficionado, Tommy has been plugged into the global craft chocolate movement for over a decade.
A longstanding judge with the Academy of Chocolate and the International Chocolate Awards and more recently Cacao of Excellence, Tommy has served on the Academy’s Grand Jury and has been a panel member for the World Final of the International Chocolate Awards.
He is passionate about drawing upon the power of storytelling to spark curiosity and captivate consumers, helping them navigate the exciting, rapidly evolving craft chocolate landscape on these shores and further afield.
|About Nettie Atkisson – United States|
Instagram: smallbatcheducation
A 2021 lecture by Michael Coe sent Nettie Atkisson tumbling head‑first into the world of cacao, and she’s been obsessed ever since. She’s now an author and certified chocolate educator who leads hands‑on tastings for teams and community groups. Her chocolate journey has taken her from Hawaii, Jamaica, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica to translating in Colombia.
Nettie trained with the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting while living in England, presents on chocolate history at festivals, and creates fun, connection‑filled events to give context to this time-honored food.
|About Rosario da Cunha Brandão – Portugal|
Instagram: thecacauclub
Rosario could distinguish chocolates from the same brand when purchased in different countries even as a child – a telling sign of the passion that would stay with her throughout her life. While studying Fashion in London, chocolate became her constant refuge. The real turning point came after becoming a mother, when she discovered the Bean-to-Bar movement, trained with École Chocolat, and earned professional tasting certifications through IICCT and Stanford.
This journey led to the creation of TheCacauClub, a monthly subscription club bringing unique chocolates, workshops and business collaborations to a wider audience. Today, Rosario also leads the Bean-to-Bar Portugal Association and serves as Vice-President of its European association, bringing together passion, curiosity and purpose in one remarkable journey.
|About Cherrie Lo – Board Member, Academy of Chocolate|
Instagram: cherrielo.chocolate
Website: www.cherrielo.com
Cherrie Lo is a renowned chocolate professional from Hong Kong, now based in London, with over 18 years of industry experience. She is a Certified Chocolate Taster, Co-Author of CACAOSOURCE, a Board Member and Grand Jury Member of the Academy of Chocolate, and a Judge for the Great Taste Awards.
Featured across international media including TVB, ViuTV, Travel+Leisure, Cathay Pacific Inflight TV and the South China Morning Post, Cherrie is a recognised voice in the chocolate industry. She regularly hosts chocolate tasting experiences and workshops for diplomatic spouses worldwide, luxury properties, corporate groups and leading fashion brands, including Tory Burch. She has also partnered with premium brands including LOUIS XIII Cognac, Glenmorangie and The Glenlivet whiskies.
With a passion for chocolate education and gastronomy, Cherrie shares her expertise on chocolate trends, tasting and the evolving craft chocolate landscape, while connecting culinary perspectives across Europe and Asia. Her experience as a speaker, workshop host and TV guest has established her as a respected figure within the global chocolate community.