John Rita, of T.C. Cocoa began his career as a research and development specialist, with emphasis on confectionery development and sensory evaluation of chocolate liquors. For 25 years Rita was the “brew master” for all chocolate liquor blends that went into Hershey chocolates. The formula books were his responsibility. He has traveled extensively to South and Central America and the Far East to help propagate the existing cocoa industries and to search out new sources of cocoa. Since retiring in 2002 after a 33 year career with The Hershey Company, Rita has consulted in chocolate, confectionery and sensory through his own company, T.C. Cocoa.