Award-winning chocolatier Joseph Schmidt has turned the craft of chocolate-making into an art form where the masterpieces are as delicious as they are beautiful. From hand-painted chocolate MOSAICS and signature dome-shaped truffles to elaborate chocolate sculptures, Schmidt’s talent and passion for the art of chocolate is world-renowned.

Schmidt trained under the tutelage of European chefs and developed a passion for confections at a young age. In 1983, after working in the culinary field for a number of years, he and partner Audrey Ryan opened a shop in San Francisco where they quickly became known for their exquisite chocolate creations. Schmidt worked to perfect his craft, developing new techniques and honing his artistic skills. The distinctive egg-shaped truffle became the company’s trademark and is known throughout the industry as the “American” truffle. Schmidt quickly became one of the world’s premier chocolate sculptors.

Today, as an award-winning chocolatier, Joseph Schmidt has earned a reputation as the “Rodin of Chocolate.” Special commissions include: an Eiffel Tower for the French Ambassador, a 25-pound cable car for the Queen of England, a white dove for Nelson Mandela and a giant panda for Prince Philip and the World Wildlife Organization.

After more than 20 years in the chocolate business, Schmidt’s passion for designing and sculpting chocolate have not diminished. He can still be found hand-painting truffles in the JOSEPH SCHMIDT Confections factory or traveling nationwide to personally introduce consumers to his world-famous creations.

Schmidt resides in San Francisco.