The Sweet Consultant helps Colombian chocolate producer Luker on its global expansion

Baxendale has been invited to visit the company’s cocoa farms and chocolate factory in Bogota once the coronavirus outbreak is over, to give him first-hand knowledge of the operation and how the company’s Chocolate Dream community project is benefiting the country.

Chocolate Dream project

Luker will be able to use Baxendale’s knowledge of the UK’s confectionery sector to help its growth in the UK market. 

“We want to give Andy a deeper understanding of Luker and the ethos of the company but also utilise his invaluable experience as we move into the UK market,​” said Paul Morris, European sales manager, Luker Chocolate.  

Its Chocolate Dream project ​is a 15-point long-term vision made up of goals and principles closely aligned with the UN’s program for Sustainable Development.   

In Colombia there are 38,000 cocoa-producing families that were, in the past, victims of the country’s armed conflict and are subject to poverty.  

Luker focuses its efforts on contributing to change in these regions to improve the quality of life of the farmers and their communities.  

Sustainability

“Luker and the story of how it has helped drive change in Colombia and create sustainability is a fantastic example to other businesses and I am excited to find out more and to help the business with its future plans​,” said Baxendale. 

Baxendale has 25 years’ experience in the confectionery business with a Master of Science (MSc) in Advanced Food Manufacture. 

The former product development manager for Chewits in the UK is a respected national consultant in every aspect of confectionery production, with extensive knowledge of regulation and legislation in the industry, advising companies on everything from recipes to staff training and enhanced production techniques.