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

School for European Pastry
Anil Rohira
Co- Founder and Director
Anil Rohira is a globally respected pastry chef, chocolate expert, and educator, with over 35 years of experience across the finest kitchens and ateliers of the world. As Corporate Pastry Chef for Felchlin Switzerland for over 15 years he has worked closely with some of the most prestigious chocolatiers and pâtissiers globally.
As a Co- Founder and Director of the School for European Pastry (SEP) in Mumbai & Gurugram Anil has brought world-class pastry education to India, offering aspiring chefs access to the highest standards of European techniques and craftsmanship. His contributions to baking & Pastry education , product development, and mentoring have earned him widespread recognition across continents.
Anil’s deep industry knowledge and international exposure make him an invaluable asset to Salon Du Chocolat – India. We are proud to welcome him as an Advisor for our 2026 edition, where his leadership and vision will help shape a truly exceptional celebration of chocolate and pastry artistry.
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 |
Pratik Deshmukh is the Head of the Chocolate Academy India at Barry Callebaut and a Certified Hospitality Educator from AHLEI. An accomplished pastry chef with extensive experience in the culinary industry, he specialises in pastry arts, chocolate making, and culinary education.
In his current role, Pratik oversees all knowledge dissemination and technical assistance for India and Southeast Asia. His expertise lies at the intersection of high-end hospitality, teaching, and coaching, with a deep focus on elevating the pastry and dessert experience across both the gourmet and FMCG sectors.
Pratik’s career includes leadership positions at some of India’s most prestigious hotels, including The Oberoi and Trident. He has earned accolades at several renowned culinary competitions across the country and has played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of chefs during his tenure as a faculty member at The Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development.
His commitment to culinary excellence is also reflected in his strong media presence, with features in leading publications such as Condé Nast Traveller, GQ, and Vogue. He has also made a guest appearance on Zee Zest’s Fit Fab Feast with Huma Qureshi, further cementing his role as a leading voice in India’s evolving culinary scene.
Sudhakar Gupta
Director of International Business Development | Passionate Pastry Chef by profession
Sudhakar has 42 years of professional experience, including 16 years in International Business Development and Business Alliances. He is an expert in relationship and people management, supporting business development, fostering global relationships, and providing innovative solutions.
Starting his career as a Pastry Chef at the Oberoi Hotel, he later worked at Unilever, AB Mauri, and IFFCO. Sudhakar holds a postgraduate degree in Food Production and Patisserie from the Oberoi School of Hotel Management, along with a Bachelor of Commerce from Delhi University.
He is a member of the Emirates Culinary Guild and the Association of Chefs in India, and aims to continue enhancing his skills.
