The Business of Artisan Chocolate

Konstantin Zsigo
  • 4.9 (21)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY
The Business of Artisan Chocolate

So you're an artisan chocolatier...the ultimate dream job. You hand-craft amazing, colorful, spectacular truffles, bon bons & confections with organic, fair-trade chocolate and the highest quality ingredients. But can you actually make any money doing it? This podcast, by chocolatier Konstantin J. Zsigo, explores the complexities and realities of succeeding in the gourmet chocolate industry, exploring business models, supply costs & sourcing, pricing, employees, shop ownership, online sales, and everything in between. For newbies & veterans alike. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

Episodes

  1. 11/01/2022

    S2 Ep2 The Big Freeze

    In this episode I'll talk you though freezing chocolates and purchasing a large walk-in freezer unit.  This includes the economics, the sizing and some of the ways that it will impact your production. To donate a few dollars to the podcast, visit https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo or use PayPal to Konny@Zsigo.net Questions & Comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Theme Music by Phil Denny: https://PhilDenny.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    1h 2m

  2. 05/12/2022

    S2 Ep1 Did you make $100,000 last year?

    In this episode we look at my formula for earning $100,000 in net take-home pay.  I'll show you how I did it in 2021, how I adjusted my strategy from previous years, and exactly how it impacted the bottom line.  I will also line out the various business stages that most typical chocolatiers work through over a multi-year time horizon and what's happening financially at each stage. To donate a few dollars to the podcast, visit https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Questions & Comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Theme Music by Phil Denny: https://PhilDenny.com Production by Chris Sweeley: https://Chris-Sweeley.squarespace.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    1h 9m
  3. S1 Ep7 The Road to 500,000 Truffles - The Chocolate Lab

    12/13/2021

    S1 Ep7 The Road to 500,000 Truffles - The Chocolate Lab

    This episode is a phone conversation between myself and Dallas Southcott, the owner & chocolatier of the The Chocolate Lab in Calgary, Canada.  We talk about the rapid growth of The Chocolate Lab to a production volume of over 500,000 truffles annually.  We'll also go through their strategic pivot during COVID and how their investments are paying off for them. So pull up a chair and listen in! Feel free to reach out to Dallas or myself with questions or comments. The Chocolate Lab https://www.chocolatelab.ca/ @the_chocolatelab @DallyWonka Podcast Mentions Clay Gordon:  https://thechocolatelife.com/ Kriss Harvey:  @KrissHARV3Y Christopher Elbow: https://www.elbowchocolates.com/ To donate a few dollars to the podcast, visit https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Questions & Comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com  @KonstantinZsigo Theme Music by Phil Denny: https://PhilDenny.com Production by Chris Sweeley: https://Chris-Sweeley.squarespace.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    1h 21m
  4. S1 Ep6 All about Packaging

    09/30/2021

    S1 Ep6 All about Packaging

    In this episode we'll do deep dive into the intricacies of product packaging -- not only the types of packaging but also the trade-offs and financial ramifications of competing packaging tactics.  We'll talk through just-in-time packaging vs retail packaging, packaging for shipping, packaging for pop-ups and the nuances of each along the challenges you'll eventually face.  I'll also try to give you some practical advice. As ever, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or Email if you want to expand on the conversation. I'm here for you. Questions & comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Show site at:  https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Theme Music by Phil Denny: https://PhilDenny.com Production by Chris Sweeley: https://Chris-Sweeley.squarespace.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    1h 40m

  5. 06/18/2021

    S1 Ep5 Should I buy an enrober or throw mine out the window?

    In this episode I'll walk you through the pros & cons of owning an enrober, the economics of enrobing vs shelling, and give you some of the real world issues that you might face drawing upon my own personal experience. This is a special episode because it contains a companion YouTube video where I show you my enrober in great detail. https://youtu.be/T6B7VY8-_Vo or search Konstantin Zsigo on YouTube Special thanks to Brian Donaghy of Tomric Systems, tomric.com - for showing me the Selmi enrober via Zoom. Questions & comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Show site at:  https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Theme Music by Phil Denny: https://PhilDenny.com Production by Chris Sweeley: https://Chris-Sweeley.squarespace.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    46 min

  6. 05/03/2021 · BONUS

    S1 Ep4 Bonus Material - Online Storefront Economics

    This is the bonus material for Episode 4, How to sell chocolates online.  In this short section I walk through two different orders to illustrate the profitability of an online order.  I also consider a "free shipping" policy, if you're interested in offering that to customers. Questions & comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Show site at:  https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Show production: Chris Sweeley at https://Chris-Sweeley.squarespace.com Theme Music: Phil Denny at https://PhilDenny.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    14 min

  7. 05/03/2021

    S1 Ep4 How to sell chocolates online

    In this episode I consider the various options for selling chocolates online.  I'll explain what resources you need to dedicate to a digital storefront and what steps are involved in processing an online order. Questions & comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Show site at:  https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Theme Music by Phil Denny: https://PhilDenny.com Production by Chris Sweeley: https://Chris-Sweeley.squarespace.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    59 min

  8. 04/11/2021

    S1 Ep3 How much money can you earn as an artisan chocolatier?

    In this episode I address the burning question, and the elephant in the room...Can you make ANY money doing this?  And if so, how hard do you need to work for it?  I'll take you through 2 examples with numbers and analysis so you understand the framework and apply it to your own business. Email me to get a copy of the spreadsheet I used to make this analysis, but please don't share it on the Internet. Questions & comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Show site at:  https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Theme Music: https://PhilDenny.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    50 min

  9. 03/24/2021

    S1 Ep2 How to make more of your time

    In this episode we discuss time, your most precious asset -- how you spend it, how to make more / buy more / get more efficient in production, etc. Questions & comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Show site at:  https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Theme Music: https://PhilDenny.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    1h 3m

  10. 03/12/2021

    S1 Ep1 Welcome and Introduction

    In this first episode, Konstantin outlines some of the challenges of owning an artisan chocolate business and the various topics that will be addressed in the podcast. He also gives his background and story and invites you reach out and make contact. Konstantin has been a chocolatier for over 10 years and owns a retail shop in Bath, Michigan, USA.  See it at ParkLakeCreamery.com  To contact Konstantin J. Zsigo, Chocolatier,  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com To directly support the podcast, visit https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Theme Music, Brio Bounce by https://PhilDenny.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    1 hr

  11. 03/10/2021

    Trailer

    A brief description of The Business of Artisan Chocolate podcast. Questions & Comments:   Konny@MastersOfConfection.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

    1 min
  • 11 Episodes

4.9
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

So you're an artisan chocolatier...the ultimate dream job. You hand-craft amazing, colorful, spectacular truffles, bon bons & confections with organic, fair-trade chocolate and the highest quality ingredients. But can you actually make any money doing it? This podcast, by chocolatier Konstantin J. Zsigo, explores the complexities and realities of succeeding in the gourmet chocolate industry, exploring business models, supply costs & sourcing, pricing, employees, shop ownership, online sales, and everything in between. For newbies & veterans alike. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/konstantin-zsigo/support

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