Pratik Deshmukh

Pratik is the Head of the Callebaut Chocolate Academy for India. He has worked in Hospitality for the past 15 years in various places in India and has experience from Asia and Middle East. Pratik is a passionate Pastry Chef who has pursued and perfected his skills, winning numerous awards for baking and pastry, and has coached multiple students over the years. His extensive background in culinary education makes him a perfect addition to the Callebaut Chocolate Academy, India. He leads the innovation for both Gourmet & the FMCG customers in India.  

Pratik joined the Callebaut Chocolate Academy in October 2022. Pratik is a Pastry trainer and a Certified Hospitality Educator from American Hotels & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) with a previous experience of 12 years with The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts in various capacities. He oversaw opening the first stand-alone pastry shop of the group: Cou Cou. He was also a faculty at the prestigious Oberoi Center of Learning and Development.  

Awards & Achievements:  

  • Recognized as the Top 5 Chocolatiers at the Bakery, Pastry & Chocolate Summit 2025.  
  • Published in the official cookbook by the Indian Federation of Culinary Association – Milletology  
  • Nominated for Travel + Leisure, India & South Asia - Delicious Dining Awards 2022 
  • Featured in Conde Nast Traveler, GQ, Femina, Vogue, ELLE, Zee Zest, Business today for Cou Cou 
  • Won the Best Casual Dine In Café by Times Food Awards for Cou Cou, for the year 2022. 
  • Won Gold Medal at the competition organized by Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association for Plated Desserts and was the Team Coach in 2018 
  • Won Gold Medal at India Bakery Pastry Challenge for Breads & Viennoiserie in 2016 
  • Won Gold Medal at the competition organized by Restaurant and Catering Association for a three course meal competition using all bakery-pastry techniques in 2016 
  • Won Silver Medal at Great Indian Culinary Challenge for Chocolate Showpiece Category in 2015 
  • Won Silver Medal at Great Indian Culinary Challenge for Plated Dessert Category in 2014