Kotuszewski left home in Nottingham, UK, about 20 years ago and have lived in the US, China, Singapore and even Malaysia for six years (Photo: Sam Fong/The Edge Malaysia)
Options: Callebaut just launched the world’s first 100% dairy-free, vegan, plant-based, allergen-free chocolate. Tell us more.
Robert Kotuszewski: When Callebaut NXT was launched worldwide, we recognised that the world is changing — and chocolate indulgence is evolving with it. In Malaysia, more than half of the working population are Gen Zs and millennials. These young consumers bring a new level of spending power, snacking behaviour and unique taste preferences. They are also more health-conscious.
With Callebaut NXT, chefs and artisans can create genuine vegan, plant-based, lactose-free and dairy-free chocolate with 0% compromise in taste. It is completely allergen- and nut-free and a wonderful treat for chocolate lovers who suffer from milk, nut or soy allergies. It contains no animal ingredients, artificial additives, flavourings or colourants. We are excited to introduce a new generation of chocolates to respond to what the younger generation of consumers want.
You also launched Malaysia’s first ruby chocolate. What is it really?
We introduced Ruby in 2017. It is the fourth type of chocolate after dark, milk and white. Malaysia first enjoyed the ruby in 2018, and is the first country in the world to taste and experience the latest ruby chocolate recipe, Callebaut RB2. The special colour and taste of ruby RB2 originate from nature, more specifically the ruby cocoa bean. No artificial colourants or berry-like flavourings are added.
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What sets Callebaut chocolate apart?
For over 100 years, Callebaut has been the only gourmet chocolate maker to carry out the complete chocolate production process — from cocoa bean to chocolate — entirely in Belgium, combining the world’s best cocoa beans with the most refined local ingredients. This chocolate gets its unique taste from a specific blend of beans roasted in their shells, a traditional roasting method that ensures the rich, essential flavours are retained. In everything, the spirit of the brand’s founding father, Octaaf Callebaut, lingers on. His entrepreneurial spirit — being always in pursuit of better — inspires Callebaut to keep feeding the dreams and ambitions of artisans and chefs around the world.
What’s an average day like?
My days fill up differently every day. While my desk is at our sales and operational office in Petaling Jaya, my job as the MD for Malaysia means I get to stay close to our chocolate factory and regional R&D hub in Port Klang, as well as our cocoa application lab and factory in Pasir Gudang, Johor. Overall, I get to work with more than 700 employees here. As the VP of food manufacturers for Southeast Asia, I oversee a sales team in the region that works with local chocolate manufacturers and confectionaries.
I have also been overseeing the regional customer service team for more than five years now and they give me so much energy just by staying close to the customers. Some people think I have too many roles and responsibilities, but I get very excited knowing that my capacity allows me to create chocolate happiness for many in different places.
Sustainability is a big conversation these days. How are you incorporating it at Barry Callebaut?
Sustainability is not just a big conversation for Barry Callebaut. Our products are crafted with selected and traceable cocoa beans, and are 100% sustainable.
Are there any activities organised to mark World Chocolate Day on July 7?
We have more than 60 chocolate factories worldwide, including the largest factory in the world, in Belgium. We produce chocolates round the clock. As the world’s largest manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa products, we celebrate World Chocolate Day every day. In other words, at any given day and time, our employees are whipping up products meant to create chocolate happiness.
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Do you personally love chocolate?
The one thing that is constant in my life is tasting chocolate practically every day. When I am in the office, I like to grab some chocolate callets. When I go shopping, I stop by shops or grocers and buy chocolates of all sorts, sometimes those made by other manufacturers or confectioneries. Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Fruit and Nuts and Arnott’s Good Time Double Chocolate cookies are my favourite.
I have two daughters, Ophelia and Zoe and we usually hang in front of the TV eating chocolates together. Oh, the best chocolate pairing for children is Disney! The sensation of music, colours and chocolate is wild.
You moved to Malaysia from Singapore in March last year. How has the country been treating you?
I’m married to a Malaysian! In fact, I left home in Nottingham, UK, about 20 years ago and have lived in the US, China, Singapore and even Malaysia for six years, from 2008 to 2013. That was when I met my wife, Uma. So, moving back here feels just like coming back home.
How do you unwind?
I love speed. I owned several motorbikes and even drove a Ferrari for an hour, all strapped in and flying at 200kph. Now, parenthood has changed me. I love spending time with my daughters playing Snakes and Ladders, exploring different parks and having fun go-karting. What people say is true — when I see my children smile, I forget everything else.
What are you reading right now?
I’m always interested in history. I believe history creates the future. You can find me having my nose in various books that dissect events which have changed the course of history — how historical events create the now and the tomorrow. Outside of history, I’m currently starting on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth.
What are you listening to right now?
My favourite is classical piano pieces by Chopin and Mozart. I’ll put on some of their music at night when the kids are asleep and enjoy the peace and quiet after a long day. Other times, I listen to quite a diverse mix of music. I love old bands like Pink Floyd.
Where would you send chocolate lovers to?
Go to the Harriston Chocolatier Cafe at Pavilion KL — you’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop. Taste and savour the wide variety of chocolates it has.
This article first appeared on June 19, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
