Retail Confectioners International (RCI) is bringing back its Chocolate Boot Camp Feb. 21-24 at Fascia's Chocolates in Waterbury, Connecticut.

The popular course sold out in less than 48 hours in November, making it the 10th consecutive course to sell out.

Newcomers and veterans of the confectionery industry attend RCI’s Chocolate Boot Camp to learn practical techniques of chocolate making to take back to their businesses. During the comprehensive course, students will learn about tempering, how to prevent bloom, the application and use of chocolate and compounds, how to select chocolate for different applications, depositing techniques, enrobing techniques, how to manage mistakes, secrets to making meltaways, bark, truffles and ganache, and critical sensory evaluation. Students will also learn good manufacturing practices, sanitation and basic traceability systems.

RCI Executive Director Angie Burlison said she is excited to welcome a new class of chocolatiers to Chocolate Boot Camp 2022.

"RCI has a long history as a valuable resource for small business owners, both established and new to the industry,” Burlison said. “The successes of past Chocolate Boot Camp courses are an indication of the quality of materials and content that will be provided during the course. The hands-on approach, combined with the knowledge and experience our instructors have to offer, will give chocolate makers the tools they need to be successful in their businesses."

Chocolate Boot Camp is taught by five experts of the chocolate industry, bringing nearly 150 years of combined experience to the course. Instructors for the 2022 course include:

• Randy Hofberger, R&D Candy Consultants
• Jim Bourne, Hilliard's Chocolate System
• Brian Donaghy, Tomric Systems, Inc.
• Joe Sofia, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate
• Marlene Stauffer, Blommer Chocolate Company

Due to increased interest in the course, RCI's board of directors recently approved a second Chocolate Boot Camp course to be held in August 2022. Individuals interested in attending the summer course may sign up to receive notification when registration opens. A waiting list for the upcoming event is also available.

For more information or to sign up for notifications, visit retailconfectioners.org/bootcamp.