Cacao farmers, fermenters, chocolate makers, chocolatiers, and storytellers, come together to usher in a new era of Indian Craft Chocolate.
Hyderabad, located in South India, has yet another achievement to boast about. Introducing "Manam Chocolate", a collective of dedicated artisans in the craft chocolate sector. This team, comprising cacao farmers, fermenters, chocolate makers, chocolatiers, and storytellers, collaborates seamlessly. Together, they guide the transformation of cacao from its humble beginnings as a fruit on a farm, through its journey as a bean, and finally into exquisite chocolate confections.
Manam Chocolate’s debut in the Indian market comes at a time when craft coffee and craft beer have started to make sweeping changes to the culinary culture of India. It is quintessentially an Indian Craft Chocolate experience, born of Indian origin cacao, crafted by Indians, for India and the world.
Located in the posh neighborhood of Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, in the state-of-the-art “Manam Chocolate Karkhana” (Karkhana means a factory in Hindi), the endless experiments result in endless possibilities of delicious chocolates that are totally chocolicious and irresistibly scrumptious!
Manam Chocolate’s vision is led by Hyderabad-based entrepreneur Chaitanya Muppala (he is currently India’s first and only Level 3 Certified Chocolate Taster) with an interesting chocolate journey. In 2018, Chaitanya’s search for quality Indian chocolate proved pivotal. He realized the difference between industrial and craft chocolate, which led him to create a business model for fine flavor Indian craft chocolate.
Subsequently, in 2021, he incorporated Distinct Origins Private Limited (DOPL) to establish the West Godavari region (in the state of Andhra Pradesh, South India), as a place of origin from where potential global craft chocolate makers could import fine flavor cacao beans.
In 2021, he began building India’s largest fine flavor Cacao Fermentery in Tadikalapudi, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. During this time, he has successfully brought on board over 100 cacao farmers with 1,500 acres of land in what is estimated to be India’s largest cacao-growing region, for this ambitious endeavor.
Designed for gifting or for self-indulgence, Manam Chocolate’s selection ranges from familiar to novel to experimental. Unlocking the true potential of Indian Cacao, and putting it on the global map, India's homegrown chocolate not only compares but also competes with the best international chocolate brands!
Here the familiar Indian tastes and novel global preferences intersect: imagine Malt Chocolate Truffles made with 43% Malted Milk Single Origin West Godavari Chocolate, Blueberry Dragees coated in yogurt, creamy white chocolate and toasted sesame or a Caramelized Cacao Nib Chocolate Brownie made with an 82% Dark Chocolate from Single Origin Dominican Republic Beans- here you have a whole new world of chocolate, waiting to be discovered.
Conceptualized as annual editions, Manam Chocolate has over 45 categories reflected in 250+ unique products showcasing the true potential of cacao in a way that’s never been done before.
The Indian Craft Chocolate Edition 2023 demonstrates just how versatile Indian Cacao can be. Signature Tablets. Bonbons. Truffles. Nama. Barks. Fudge. Palettes. Rochers. Clusters. Macarons. Gianduja. Spreads. Cakes. Pastries. Viennoiserie. Hot and Cold Beverages, a range of ingredients for Bakers, and much, much more. These will be available pan-India through its e-commerce platform www.manamchocolate.com and a robust high-street and travel retail presence is planned over the next 6 to 12 months.
Manam Chocolate uses science-based interventions and proprietary technology at its dedicated, Cacao Fermentery, to develop, draw and deliver the best possible flavor from the cacao beans. The offering aims to be relatable, keeping in mind the palates, nuances, and preferences, deeply rooted in the Indian collective memories of eating, sharing, and enjoying chocolate.
This diversity is evident in their vast range of products - from their 60% dark chocolate tablet sweetened with jaggery to their blueberries coated in caramelized white chocolate with toasted sesame. The intent is to create experiences that are not only complex and nuanced but also delightful, like how great chocolate should be.
A spectrum of novel concepts within Manam Chocolate’s signature tablet collection includes the Single Farm series, Single Origin series, Creative Fermentation series, Signature Blends, and an exciting range of Infusions and Inclusions. One Ingredient, limitless possibilities! One chocolate, many avatars!
