The Search for Inspiration
at Salon du Chocolat in Shinjuku

With the goal of presenting sweet pastries that represent both modern tastes and traditional techniques, Pâtissier Takada searched for inspiration at the Salon du Chocolat trade show held in Tokyo in January 2019.

“What impressed me was this pink chocolate made of ruby cacao," said Takeda, who found inspiration in its use of natural colors. The young patissiers who accompanied him to the trade show also had the chance to discover new techniques and ideas, with some noting they found the process of making spiced chocolate of particular interest.

The elegance of blending natural colors with spiced essence gave the sweets a sophisticated, mature flavor they had not experienced before. With the purpose of gleaning information and inspiration to produce the latest chocolate product for Sapporo Grand Hotel’s anniversary celebration, the pastry chefs felt confident they could bring something back that would be suitable for such a prestigious occasion.