Anette Righi DeFendi named Top Ten Chocolatier in North America

KOHLER, Wis. – January 29, 2016 – KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates is delighted to announce that Head Chocolatier, Anette Righi DeFendi, has been named one of the Top Ten Chocolatiers in North America of 2015 by Dessert Professional – one of the dessert industry’s most coveted honors. This prestigious award recognizes North American-based chocolatiers whose distinctive craft has elevated the chocolate industry. Righi DeFendi is the only recipient from the Midwest included on this year’s list.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for this award and celebrated alongside the top chocolatiers in the North America,” said Anette Righi DeFendi. “I’m grateful to be able to live my passion for chocolate, while also working for Kohler Co. – known for its commitment to quality and innovation.”

Righi DeFendi began her love for chocolate while at The French Pastry School in Chicago. Shortly after graduation in June 2011, Righi DeFendi accepted the position of Chocolatier Assistant at KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates and was promoted to Head Chocolatier in February 2013. In this role, Righi DeFendi oversees the day-to-day production of the chocolate business, and is the talent behind creating these exceptional delicacies. Each piece of KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates is handmade and curated, right down to the shape and shade of the pecan on the signature Original Buttery Terrapin, making them true works of art.

KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates are made at the Craverie Chocolatier Café at Destination Kohler in Kohler, Wis. The Craverie Chocolatier Café is one of 12 dining establishments throughout the resort, which also boasts the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond American Club hotel, four Championship golf courses at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run and Forbes Five-Star Kohler Waters Spa.

About Dessert Professional magazine

Dessert Professional is the nation's leading food service publication for the chocolate, pastry, cake, artisan bread and frozen desserts industries. DessertWorld Media LLC is a New York City based publishing, event, and marketing company serving the growing North American dessert industry. DWM is publisher of the industry-leading print and digital publication Dessert Professional Magazine, web publisher of the award-winning Dessertprofessional.com, social media purveyor of the Dessert Professional Connect Network, and organizer of annual events including the Top Ten Pastry Chefs in America, Top Ten Chocolatiers in North America, and The Cake Pro Show.

About Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate Group

The Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate profile includes The American Club, boasting the first and only Forbes Five-Star hotel and spa property in Wisconsin and world-renowned championship golf courses Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Acquired in 2004, its sister property, The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in the birthplace of golf, St Andrews, Scotland, is a AA Five Red Star property and recognized as one of the most luxurious resorts in the world.

About Destination Kohler

The American Club, a Forbes Five-Star Recipient and the Midwest’s only AAA Five-Diamond resort-hotel, was named #3 Golf Resort in North America, by Golf Digest Magazine. The resort is one of only 48 hotels in North America with both the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond distinction. Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin, is the first and only Forbes Five-Star spa in Wisconsin and one of 48 spas worldwide to hold this distinction. The resort features 12 dining establishments from the Forbes Four-Star Immigrant Restaurant to traditional pub fare at Horse & Plow and rustic Italian at Cucina. The resort is located in the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin, one hour north of Milwaukee and two and a half hours from Chicago. For more information or reservations, please call 800-344-2838 or visit DestinationKohler.com. Stay up to date on resort news and happenings on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.