John Kaiser
About this Craftsperson
John Kaiser is a proud chocoholic—better known as Professor of Chocolate—a title he earned over three decades shaping how chocolate is made and enjoyed around the world. A hands-on engineer with an insatiable curiosity, John has dedicated his career to understanding how ingredients, recipes, and processes combine to create unforgettable chocolate experiences. He began his career as a researcher with Kraft before joining Mars Wrigley. Over the next 30 years, John advanced to Global Director, Cocoa/Chocolate Process, where he led diverse, multicultural teams, managed large-scale capacity projects in more than 30 countries, and pioneered innovations in chocolate that continue to influence the industry today. As a professor in chemical engineering at Iowa State University, John channeled his industry expertise and passion for confectionery into inspiring the next generation of engineers and chocolate lovers. His journey is proof that science, creativity, and a love of chocolate can make a truly sweet career.