Arno Backes

Background

About Arno Backes

Arno Backes has been passionate about chocolate all his life. With a keen eye for detail, he has devoted himself to creating superb chocolate and patisserie creations that taste as good as they look. Arno’s passion for pastry and all other things sweet blossomed when he was just 15. He quickly worked his way up the ranks of the culinary profession following his intensive stint as an apprentice (3 years) to a pastry chef on the border of Germany, France and Luxembourg. London was his first step making chocolates at Marasus petit fours, supplying great names such as Savoy, the Dorchester, Harrods, Glen Eagle in Scotland and the Royal Family. A year in Switzerland at the 5 star Hotel St. Gotthard making desserts and sugar showpieces allowed him to put his knowledge into practice. After training under Ewald Notter in Zurich, Arno shone in Berlin at the Opern Palais, then in Munich at the chic and internationally renowned patisserie and Chocolaterie, Cafe Luitpold. After one year Master college in Munich, he won the gold medal of the state government for passing as Dux of masters. Then he fulfilled a live long ambition for almost two years and rides on his Motorcycle from Munich to Sydney, travelling through 17 countries. Returning to Germany, he became the head chocolatier, Pâtissier for the historical Café Hipp in Pfaffenhofen and der Ilm, creating festive cakes and chocolates. Such a prestigious accolade encouraged Arno to continue following his cocoa-flavoured dream all the way to South America where he traced the history of both coffee and chocolate. He learnt about the origins of some of the finest beans in the world and discovered unique chocolate moulds along the way, publishing his book about his adventures in 2004. 2004 is also his arrival date to Australia where he joined the then newly established Koko Black, being one of the main drivers to grow the brand to 6 stores. In 2008 he opens ganache chocolate with heart and soul, growing a now well-known brand in Australia with 3 stores and a strong wholesale arm, also exporting his outstanding quality creations to Japan, China and Taiwan. Establishing a chocolate school in his kitchen and representing tourism Victoria as a guest chef in Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai. Many guest chef appearances follow and invitations to speak as an entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Arno was chosen to appear on The Shark Tank and joint forces with Selenes chocolates in 2018 Now Arno amazes with his 30 plus years of experience and world-class expertise in Australia, the place he’s called home.