Coenraad Johannes van Houten

Coenraad Johannes van Houten was a Dutch inventor and entrepreneur, best known for developing the process to make cocoa powder and chocolate products in the early 19th century. In 1828, he patented a method to extract fat from cocoa beans, resulting in a fine cocoa powder that could be easily mixed with water, milk, or sugar. This innovation revolutionized chocolate production, making it more accessible and versatile for cooking and baking. His work laid the foundation for modern chocolate manufacturing, significantly influencing the industry and leading to the development of various chocolate products we enjoy today.