We all need a fairy godmother at work, don’t we? In 2023, Bruce was my fairy godfather.
Last August, I gave a talk at a retirement community on “what you didn’t know about chocolate.” At the end of the talk, a gentleman lingered and introduced himself as Bruce, a chocolate consultant.
As it turned out, this gentleman retired from a 40-year career for some of the world’s largest chocolate companies to get involved with meaningful projects. For instance, he helped launch Hope Chocolates in New Jersey to train former convicts on chocolatiering skills. In addition, he’s stayed involved with the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia. Talk about active retirement.
That fall, we met at a Starbucks to brainstorm a seminar topic for the association’s January gathering.
“I have an idea” I told Bruce.
After 8+ years hosting hundreds of chocolate tastings to very diverse groups, I came up with a very simple representation of chocolate consumers on a pyramid.
Interacting with the top of the pyramid is easy. Engaging with the base of the pyramid, NOW that requires creativity. However, that’s where the potential is. When I draw the (very) basic pyramid on my notebook, Bruce’s eyes lit up.
“I like it. Send me a proposal.”
So I did.
Fast forward to last week when I had the honor to present on “the science of taste & the psychology of chocolate consumers” to a crowd of ~ 40 chocolatiers. We talked about supertasters, Emily in Paris, TikTok trends, and why chocolate industry pros should ask their wives about their wrappers. I promise it all blended perfectly.
The audience GOT IT. The feedback was fantastic and I cannot wait to see how attendees upped their marketing game to reach the base of chocolate pyramid consumers.
Now I cannot wait to share this masterclass at conferences and, ultimately, release it as a recorded masterclass. Sign up for my newsletter to be notified of its release.
A big thank you to Bruce for seeing the potential in a pyramid shape and championing my work. Here’s to the next event.
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