Ivorian Chocolatier Hosts Workshop in South Africa
Master chocolatier Suzanne Kabbani demonstrates traditional Ivorian craftsmanship and luxury techniques.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Desserts
Live Poll
Do you consider the social impact on farmers when choosing which chocolate brands to purchase?
Ivorian chocolatier Suzanne Kabbani recently hosted a chocolate-making workshop at the Ivorian embassy in South Africa. The event showcased the culinary heritage and production methods of her luxury brand, Les Douceurs de Suzanne.
Why it matters
The workshop highlights the cultural significance of Ivorian chocolate while promoting local value chains. The initiative seeks to strengthen support systems for cocoa farmers through education, medical aid, and financial contributions.
Founded in 2006, Les Douceurs de Suzanne specializes in luxury chocolate incorporating local ingredients like baobab, tamarind, millet, and ginger. The brand operates with a direct model that funds financial, educational, and medical resources for farmers.
The players
Suzanne Kabbani
She is the master chocolatier and founder of the luxury chocolate brand Les Douceurs de Suzanne.
Sakaria Kone
He serves as the ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire to South Africa.
Ahmed Soro
He coordinated the chocolate workshop programme held at the embassy.
The details
Suzanne Kabbani demonstrated the intricate process of transforming raw cocoa beans into finished luxury confections for attendees. The programme, coordinated by Ahmed Soro, brought together enthusiasts to celebrate Ivorian culinary traditions.
Timeline
The brand Les Douceurs de Suzanne was established in 2006.
The chocolate workshop occurred in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This event reflects the broader shift toward bean-to-bar local value chain development in West African agriculture. By processing cocoa domestically, producers are moving away from traditional export models toward high-value craftsmanship that honors local heritage.
Consumers interested in ethical consumption can support farming communities by choosing brands that reinvest in farmer education and medical support. This model encourages shoppers to prioritize ingredient origin when making daily purchasing decisions.
The takeaway
Supporting small-batch producers who utilize native ingredients like ginger and baobab helps preserve unique culinary traditions. Readers can research local fair-trade certifications to ensure their chocolate purchases provide direct aid to farming families.
Further reading
Learn more about global culinary traditions and sweet trends in our Desserts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mail & Guardian.
Live Poll
Do you consider the social impact on farmers when choosing which chocolate brands to purchase?
