Classic Fine Foods + Valrhona: Imagine The Best of Chocolate

6th January 2026

TOGETHER WE ARE PARTNERS

After more than a decade of collaboration, Valrhona, Classic Fine Foods UK, and Caterite are proud to announce a new chapter of partnership, bringing you the best of chocolate.

Built on shared values of craftsmanship, integrity, and respect for ingredients, this partnership brings Valrhona’s world-renowned chocolate to chefs across the UK, supported by Classic Fine Foods and Caterite’s expertise, service and technical knowledge.

Whether you're a hotel, restaurant, caterer, pâtissier, or baker, together we are here for you. This partnership means chefs across the UK will have unrivalled access to the world's finest chocolate and the support to create extraordinary experiences.

“This partnership is built on trust and a shared vision for excellence. Our goal is to deliver not just chocolate, but an exceptional experience that inspires creativity and elevates gastronomy. We are excited to embark on this new journey together, bringing even greater support and inspiration to chefs across the UK.” - Olivier Batel, Managing Director at Classic Fine Foods UK.

“What truly sets our collaboration with Classic Fine Foods apart is the shared ambition to elevate the hospitality and pastry industry. We’re united by a commitment to quality and a vision for a more innovative, sustainable future. Together, we’re ready to push boundaries, support chefs nationwide, and shape the future of gastronomy.” - Vania Piomboni, Valrhona Country Manager UK & Ireland.

TOGETHER WE ARE NATIONAL

Wherever you are, from Scotland to Cornwall, Classic Fine Foods, Caterite and Valrhona’s dedicated local experts will bring chocolate knowledge, innovation, and craft to chefs across the country.

Together, we're everywhere you need us.

“I’ve worked with Classic Fine Foods and Valrhona throughout my entire pastry career, spanning nearly 20 years. They’ve been a constant reference point for quality, consistency, and craftsmanship in every kitchen I’ve worked in. Working with both these companies allows us to operate at the highest level. Their standards give us the confidence to create refined desserts that deliver the best possible guest experience.” - Darrell Rolle-Jackson, Head Pastry Chef at The Elder in Bath and Circle V Member.

“This collaboration with Classic Fine Foods is about being out there with the teams, inspiring each other, growing together, and creating new opportunities. Every visit to different regions reminds me how diverse and dynamic the UK food scene is. Everywhere I go, I see chefs pushing boundaries and elevating their menus. It’s inspiring to witness how they use Valrhona to bring their ideas to life.” - Mark Harman, Valrhona UK Sales Manager.

TOGETHER WE SUPPORT

We all know that a relationship is not just about the ingredients. It's to help you learn new techniques, assist you in training your teams or make those final tweaks to the recipe.

Whether that be training support from Circle Wong of Ecole Valrhona, a masterclass with Denis Dramé MCA at TheTasteLab London, or chef's table evenings with Caterite.

“Working with Classic Fine Foods and Valrhona gives me access to exceptional products and a team that truly understands chefs. Together, we’re able to craft desserts that go beyond taste; they tell a story. The quality and complexity of Valrhona chocolate allow me to build these layers in our desserts without compromise. Combined with the support from Classic Fine Foods, who ensure we have access to the best ingredients and technical advice, I can take inspiration from tradition and transform it into something truly unique.” - Josh Root, Group Head Pastry Chef at Akoko.

TOGETHER WE INNOVATE

At Valrhona, Classic Fine Foods and Caterite, we’re not there to follow the pack; we’re here to lead it. Our mission is innovation, adaptation and inspiration.

We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of the market and shaping the trends of tomorrow.

For Valrhona, that means creating new solutions and setting the standard of chocolate excellence. For Classic Fine Foods and Caterite, it's about staying one step ahead, bringing you the latest trends as soon as you need them.

“Innovation drives everything we do, and one launch I’m particularly excited about is Matcha Inspiration. Its vibrant green colour, unique flavour, and texture will spark creativity and allow chefs to explore new ideas in their craft.” - Vania Piomboni, Valrhona Country Manager UK & Ireland.

TOGETHER WE INSPIRE

We know it's not just about today; it's about shaping the future of gastronomy in the UK. To support and inspire the next generation of chefs to push boundaries, innovate and never lose their passion for learning.

This is why in 2026 we're launching an exciting national programme in collaboration with customers, schools, training commis chefs and students in the latest techniques and trends in pastry creation.

“Valrhona is always my choice because it’s more than just chocolate; it’s about consistency, traceability, and a commitment to quality. When you’re creating dishes at this level, you need an ingredient that performs flawlessly every time and brings a story to the plate. Valrhona delivers that. It allows me to push boundaries and craft sauces that aren’t just rich; they’re balanced, elegant, and memorable.” - Russell Bateman, Culinary Development Chef for TheTasteLab London by Classic Fine Foods & YNCOTY Mentor 2025-2026.

Valrhona, Classic Fine Foods UK and Caterite are proud to share this exclusive partnership - built on years of collaboration and a shared passion for excellence.

With national reach, category-leading support from brand chefs, account managers, and specialists, plus the latest innovative products and a mission to inspire creativity, we're here to help you imagine the very best in chocolate.

Together, we're here for you.

Discover the full range of Valrhona products here.

(If your business is located North of Manchester, shop Valrhona at Caterite here.)

Want to learn some new skills in chocolate for 2026? Discover our full TheTasteLab 2026 Course Calendar today. Including a Chocolate Masterclass with Denis Dramé MCA and a Chocolate Showpiece Course with Roger Fok and Valrhona.

Our happy customers

Anshu Anghotra

"Classic Fine Foods has been absolutely fantastic, I’ve worked with them for years now. Classic has never disappointed and the customer service is always great. Classic can always be counted upon, especially when it comes to quality. it’s not very often we come across fabulous suppliers like Classic."
Pascal Aussignac

"Classic Fine Foods has always been a long-term partner and the Gascon teams are delighted to work together with them."
Elissavet Kermanidou

"Classic Fine Foods is the main supplier for all the pastry ingredients I use. They always supply us with top quality ingredients , providing very good customer service and sourcing bespoke items for us."
Benoit Blin

"Classic Fine Foods is a great company to work with. It supplies high-quality produce and it is full of very enthusiastic and passionate people eager to promote and help develop all sides of the food industry."
Ollie Dabbous

"I’ve been working with Classic Fine Foods for several years now. Fantastic customer service & range of products: everything from bread flour to blueberry vinegar."
Roger Lomas

"Classic Fine Foods has always been top quality for the whole of my career and it’s really exciting with the way they’re moving forward as a company. The products are world class and their team JP and Customer Service are outstanding and always on the end of the phone. Been working with JP for over 10 years now and it really shows that I couldn’t do my job without him or Classic Fine Foods. An exciting future to be involved in for sure."
Nicolo Bolognesi

"Classic Fine Foods delivers exceptional quality and service every time. Their team is reliable and knowledgeable—especially our Account Manager, Kiana, who’s been incredibly attentive and supportive. They’re more than a supplier—they’re a true partner in our kitchen."
Francesco Chiarelli

"Classic Fine Foods has been consistently excellent. Our Account Manager Kiana always recommends top-quality products that suit our needs perfectly, and their caviar is some of the best you’ll find in London. Caviar Specialist Faustine brings a perfect mix of professionalism and warmth to every interaction. I highly recommend them for their outstanding service and attention to detail."
Quentin Wind

"Classic Fine Foods has been an outstanding supplier to Comptoir Bakery. Their ingredients are consistently of exceptional quality, and their reliability makes a meaningful difference to our daily operations. The service is always professional, efficient, and attentive- we know we can rely on them. It’s a pleasure to work with a partner who truly understands the needs of our industry."
Michael Topp

"I’ve worked with Classic Fine Foods for several years, and their product quality and service have consistently been exceptional. The team is always available with the support and advice we need. Their extensive range of ingredients enables us to be creative and deliver our patisserie and pastries to customers with confidence."