Imperial College Unveils Sustainable Chocolate Collection for VIPs

Imperial College London’s Dyson School of Design Engineering is excited to introduce "Imperial Chocolate," an exclusive new creation.

Imperial College London’s Dyson School of Design Engineering proudly announces the launch of "Imperial Chocolate," a unique range crafted by our talented students in collaboration with Dreamteam Design, led by Visiting Professor of Design Nick Munro. These chocolates will be gifted to VIPs and major donors, showcasing our commitment to innovation, creativity, and sustainability. 

A taste of innovation 

Imperial Chocolate is a blend of innovation and tradition, reflecting Dreamteam’s ethos of pioneering research and sustainable practices. Spearheaded by Sarthak Das from Dreamteam in collaboration with the Office of the President, these chocolates are a unique and joyful expression of our community’s appetite for innovation. 

The creation process 

“Creating Imperial Chocolate was an incredible journey—from the initial idea to experimenting with flavours and designs, and finally seeing it come to life in the chocolate factory. It’s amazing to watch a concept turn into something real, delicious, and shareable" Sarthak Das Imperial Chocolate Project Lead (MSc Computer Science)

Once the concept for Imperial Chocolate was born, our team used facilities at both Imperial’s White City and South Kensington campuses, including the ACE Workshop and Ideas Lab, and expertise from our technicians from both labs. With the support of our skilled technicians and tools such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and various plastic and silicone molding techniques, we crafted the first prototype of the chocolate box. 

The expertise and facilities at Imperial have been instrumental in transitioning from a single box to scaling up production. Using the labs, Dreamteam created jigs and sent them to manufacturers for quotes, exploring the feasibility of producing between 500 and 1,000 units. Without the support of these resources, scaling this project would have been a significant challenge. In addition, we used the printing press and large printers to create the required packaging graphics, bringing the design to life. 

Exquisite flavours and sustainable practices

Inspired by the intricate nature of puzzles, this chocolate box represents the harmonious assembly of diverse elements, creating a cohesive and delightful masterpiece. Every bite tells a story—a taste of heritage, tradition, and a journey across continents, united in a symphony of flavours that capture the richness of the chocolate experience. 

Each piece is crafted from cacao sourced from six historic regions, bringing unique flavours and stories: 

• Tanzania (Dark 70%) – Orange and toffee notes from the Udzungwa Mountains, home to Tanzania’s endangered elephants. 

• Peru (Dark 100%) – Complex floral and grassy tones grown at high altitudes near Machu Picchu. 

• Congo (Milk 55%) – Roasted nut and cappuccino flavours from the first female-led cooperative in the Virunga region. 

• Haiti (Milk 61%) – Rich fudge and full-bodied milk chocolate sourced from northern Haiti’s small-scale farmers. 

• Ecuador (Milk 40%) – Caramel and hazelnut with Fleur de Sel, originating from Ecuador’s Pacific cloud forests. 

• Colombia (Dark 82%) – Spices, liquorice, and sesame, embodying the ancient Arhuaco traditions of Sierra Nevada. 

We carefully choose cacao from small-scale farmers who grow it sustainably, helping both their communities and the environment. Tasting our chocolate isn’t just a treat—it’s an adventure. With each piece, we invite both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers to explore a world of textures, aromas, and flavours, uncovering something new in every bite. 

Looking ahead 

"Imperial Chocolate is more than just a sweet gift—it’s a true taste of Imperial's talent and global spirit, offering visitors a unique way to experience the creativity and international diversity that defines our community" Professor Hugh Brady President, Imperial College London

Imperial Chocolate recently made its debut at the office of Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London. Our team was honoured to present this exclusive gift to him, sharing the vision behind Imperial Chocolate, discussing its innovative design, and capturing memorable moments of this special occasion. 

Initially, these chocolates will be gifted to VIPs, with future plans to offer them as student gifts and potentially sell them through the Student Union shop. For more information on Imperial Chocolate and its journey, visit our website, where we will share updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and more about our commitment to innovation and sustainability. 

Imperial Chocolate is more than just a treat; it’s an invitation to discover and appreciate the cultural tapestry that chocolate weaves around the world. It stands as a symbol of our innovative spirit, our commitment to sustainability, and the diverse talent within our community. We are excited to share this with the world and look forward to its growth.