Zeba Kohli, a name synonymous with Chocolate & entrepreneurial brilliance, stands tall as one of India’s most respected figures. Recently named chocolate sommelier by economic Times, renowned not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a skilled chocolatier and mentor, Zeba has left an incredible mark on the business landscape. She values being a chocolate consultant and a taster and loves to spread knowledge about bean to bar, fair trade and slow chocolate consumption. She has always been passionate about different chocolate territories and pallates.
Her journey began with the reinvention of her family brand, Fantasie Fine Chocolate. Her entrepreneurial acumen garnered widespread recognition, earning her the Outstanding Business Achievement Award nomination by ELLE Magazine in 1999 and the Business Woman of the Year title at the Zee Astitva Awards in 2007.
Entrepreneurial Ventures:
Zeba’s leadership at Fantasie Fine Chocolates led to numerous accolades and awards, solidifying her status as one of India’s prominent chocolatiers. Beyond Fantasie, Zeba spends time career counselling home chefs & home makers & mental health counselling of patients which she was guided into by dr Asha Kapadia , oncologist .
Multifaceted Contributions:
Zeba’s impact extends beyond the business realm. She has been working on a series of chocolate sensory and awareness programmes. Loves being a chocolate consultant. She has been globally recognised & has been a judge at the international chocolate awards .
Educational Background:
Zeba holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Bombay, earning a government scholarship in 1988 and later obtaining certificates in the field of chocolate .
Language Proficiency:
speaks hindi , Marathi & gets by in German & French,. Zeba’s linguistic versatility reflects her global versitality .
Milestones and Awards:
Zeba’s journey is punctuated with numerous awards, including the Times Food Award for Best Chocolatier and recognition as the Platinum Woman of India by FEMINA in 2005. Her achievements extend internationally, as she was featured in 2 international books by Zerbanoo Gifford & Dominique Hoechtigen.
She has been a 2 times Tedx speaker and has authored 3 books ,is a host in a Bollywood chat show called Gimme Chocolate to name a few.
Recent Ventures and Recognitions:
Zeba’s recent endeavors include hosting the television show “Gimme Chocolate” on Living Foodz, conducting chocolate workshops, and launching Fantasie Fine Chocolates – Chocolate Dictionary. Her influence in the culinary world is evident through awards like the Economic Times Business Leaders Award for Innovative Confectionery in 2019 and recognition at IFBA awards in 2023. She was recently named a ‘chocolate sommelier’ by Economic Times in 2023 .
Zeba Kohli’s journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and giving back to society. From revolutionizing her family business to becoming a respected mentor and industry influencer, Zeba continues to inspire with her multifaceted contributions to the world of entrepreneurship and chocolate knowledge & crafting unique flavors.
