Derrick Pho, Master Chocolatier

Co-Founder, Sambirano Valley Chocolat inc.

Founder and Instructor @ Chocolate Technology Center

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Derrick Tu Tan Pho is an esteemed Master Chocolatier who began his apprenticeship in Montreal, Canada. His passion and dedication led him to earn a diploma in Bakery & Pastry from the Institut de Tourisme et d'Hôtellerie du Québec (Montréal Culinary School) with a focus in chocolate, confectionary and ice cream. In 1989, Pho was the first to be awarded Apprentice Chocolatier of the Year and continued to excel in his field where in 1994 he was recognized as one of the Ten Best Pastry Chefs in Montreal. Further on in his career, he was a member of the gold-winning Team Quebec for the Frankfurt Culinary Olympics held in Germany. Team Quebec brought home gold for the categories of sugar, chocolate, wedding cakes and dessert presentation.  Pho also studied in France with the renowned Meilleur Ouvrier de France, MOF, Joël Bellouet and attended the prestigious École Lenôtre, Plaisir.

 

In 2005 Pho became the Director of the Chocolate Academy in Canada. He was also in charge of setting up the Chocolate Academy in Chicago, which opened in 2008. Pho occasionally does radio interviews across Canada and was recently a guest on BreakfastTV.  He was also featured in an episode of “Glutton for Punishment” on the Food Network Canada.

 

Creator of the Canadian Intercollegiate Chocolate Competition held at Humber College, in Toronto in 2010 and 2011, Pho also oversaw the Canadian selection and coaching for the highest distinction of the international chocolate competition.  He continues to share his talent through classes and demonstrations in Canada, the United States, Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.