Louis Barnett British chocolatier, champagne connoisseur and amateur photographer Date of Birth: 02.11.1991 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Louis Barnett

Louis Barnett, a British chocolatier, champagne connoisseur, and amateur photographer, was born on November 2, 1991, and grew up in Kinver, Staffordshire, with his parents Phil and Mary Barnett. From a young age, Louis stood out from his peers, although the reasons for this were not immediately apparent.

During his school years, Louis made a lot of effort to meet the expectations of his teachers. While his vocabulary and general knowledge impressed his educators, he struggled with math and writing, which led to him feeling misunderstood. As a result, Louis often found himself involved in fights and became the target of mockery.

At the age of eleven, after spending only six weeks in a mainstream school, Louis left its walls. This decision was made by his loving parents, who believed that he would receive a better education at home. It was discovered that his difficulties in adaptation and learning were caused by dyslexia and developmental coordination disorder. Louis's parents hired a tutor to assist him in his studies, but Phil and Mary also encouraged their son to excel in areas that he enjoyed. Louis decided to learn everything he could about chocolate and champagne. To improve his coordination, he took up fencing. In addition, he excelled in public speaking.

After gaining interesting experience with birds of prey, Barnett dedicated 18 months as a volunteer at a falconry center. He started with cleaning and landscaping duties but eventually was entrusted to conduct corporate and entertainment programs involving birds of prey. Louis developed such a fondness for the birds that he decided to take on an African eagle owl named Jewel.

One day, Louis bought a book titled 'Belgian Chocolate Cakes and Chocolate' from a gardening store. He began making chocolate mousses and cakes but eventually focused solely on chocolate truffles. At the age of 14, Barnett became the youngest person in the world to complete a course and receive a certificate from the Banbury branch of the prestigious Callebaut Chocolate Academy. He started experimenting with chocolates in his kitchen with friends and family. When local entrepreneurs began buying his chocolate truffles, he moved production to his family's garage. In 2005, he opened his own company called 'Chokolit' - a name he chose due to his dyslexia. His application for a local grant of £5000 was approved, and he borrowed an additional £500 from his grandparents. Louis used the funds to purchase a specialized device to easily regulate the temperature of melted chocolate. Soon, there was not enough space in his parents' garage due to the growing demand for his products. Consequently, he relocated the production to a new factory in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The factory was officially opened by Patrick Cormack, a member of Parliament for South Staffordshire, on December 14, 2007.

The flagship product of 'Chokolit' is the edible chocolate box, which Louis developed at the age of 13 to reduce packaging costs. The box is made of natural dark chocolate with 53% cocoa. Currently, Louis works alongside his parents and exports his chocolates worldwide. He is also involved in a campaign to reclassify palm oil. Unlike other oils associated with longevity and health in Mediterranean regions, palm oil contains high levels of saturated fats, disrupts lipid metabolism, and increases cholesterol levels. Despite the obvious harm caused by palm oil, it is widely used in the confectionery industry, which Louis believes devalues chocolate products. Additionally, the destruction of tropical forests for palm plantations leads to the destruction of the remaining habitat for Sumatran orangutans.

In order to raise awareness about the problems caused by the current palm oil frenzy, Louis released a series of chocolates called 'Biting Back Bar,' which were first presented on May 29, 2008, at Chester Zoo. The first chocolate bar in the series, 'Orang-utan Biting Back Bar,' was made of dark chocolate with added orange. These chocolates are sold in several British zoos and directly by 'Chokolit'.

In early 2008, the Member of Parliament who opened the 'Chokolit' production complex in Bridgnorth arranged a meeting between Louis and Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Conservative Party leader David Cameron at the Parliament building. Louis discussed his views on palm oil with the politicians, showcased his first 'Biting Back Bar' chocolate, and proposed opening a new outlet in the dining area of the House of Commons.

Cameron referred to Barnett as 'the most remarkable young man, with all the makings of becoming one of the greatest entrepreneurs of the next decade.'

In 2007, Louis was nominated for the 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award' and reached the final among young nominees for the 'Enterprising Young Brits Awards.' He received the 'Lord Carter Award' for outstanding achievements in the food industry from the House of Lords in 2009.