Advisor Profile
The Advisory Committee comprises of like-minded industry leaders and stakeholders who share a passion for elevating the chocolate and pastry landscape in India
Entisi Chocolatier
Nikki Thakker
CEO of Entisi Chocolatier
Nikki Thakker is the founder and CEO of Entisi Chocolatier, a luxury chocolate brand that has redefined the Indian chocolate landscape. With a deep passion for craftsmanship and quality, Nikki built Entisi from the ground up, blending European techniques with a distinctly Indian flair.
Today, Entisi operates multiple boutique stores across India and is the top-selling Indian chocolate brand. From sourcing the finest cocoa to crafting each product in small batches, Nikki has championed a level of detail and taste that sets Entisi apart.
Her journey—from identifying a gap in the premium chocolate segment to becoming a recognised voice in the industry—is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Barry Callebaut
Pratik Deshmukh
Head of Chocolate Academy India | Certified Hospitality Educator |
An accomplished Pastry Chef and Certified Hospitality Educator from AHLEI with extensive experience in the culinary industry, I specialize in pastry arts, chocolate making, and teaching.
Currently, I head the Chocolate Academy in India, where I oversee all knowledge dissemination and technical assistance for India & Southeast Asia. My expertise spans in high-end hospitality, teaching, and coaching, with a focus on elevating the pastry and dessert experience across the country in the gourmet & FMCG space.
With a career that includes leadership roles at prestigious hotels like The Oberoi and Trident, my journey has been marked by accolades at renowned competitions in India.
As a mentor, I have contributed to shaping the next generation of chefs through my role as faculty at The Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development. My passion for culinary education is complemented by a strong media presence, with features in leading publications like Conde Nast Traveller, GQ, and Vogue, as well as a guest appearance on Zee Zest’s Fit Fab Feast with Huma Qureshi.