Image Source: Fortune India
Key highlights
Hyderabad-based Manam Chocolate is revolutionizing India's cacao heritage from modest roots to a globally respected craft chocolate revolution. With traceability, farmers' empowerment, and an Indian flavor identity being its priorities, Manam is creating a new story where Indian cacao holds its own in the international market.
From Andhra's Soil to Global Podium
Manam's origin begins in the lush West Godavari belt of Andhra Pradesh, which yields approximately 40% of India's cacao. It is here that farmers, empowered by Distinct Origins (Manam's parent company), interact with real-time international prices and modern farming methods—a novelty for most farming communities in India.
With rigorous bean-to-bar processes, Manam guarantees traceability to the very tree thanks to blockchain-enabled QR codes on every chocolate bar. These can be scanned by customers to learn when and where the cacao was cultivated, harvested, and produced, creating unmatched transparency and authenticity.
Scientific Precision Meets Indian Palate
Under the helm of founder Chaitanya Muppala, India's first Level 3 Certified Chocolate Taster, Manam works like chocolate scientists—each bean is meticulously measured, tasted, and paired with recipes that cater to both nostalgic and experimental Indian chocolate enthusiasts. Their mass operations use industrial ball mills for smoothness, but the origins lie in local customs—like utilizing idli grinders commonly found in Indian kitchens.
The chocolates combine the recognizable (milk chocolates that evoke Dairy Milk) with strong, subtle flavors, with 41 varied couvertures and products that address both local tastes and global sophistication.
Empowering Farmers, Building Communities
Manam's innovative model directly involves and benefits farmers, supplying them with implements, knowledge, and new markets. Their "implements library" allows growers to borrow farm equipment, and ongoing research and data gathering enable improved farming and fermentation. The investment in fine-flavor fermentaries by the company has positioned it among the world's largest, making Indian beans stand out at prominent world events. Manam won 17 awards at the 2023 Academy of Chocolate Awards in the UK and was crowned "Overall Winner" for brand experience.
Spreading India's Cacao Story
Prior to Manam, Indian craft chocolate was uncommon. Now, along with other pioneers such as Soklet, Mason & Co, and Naviluna, Manam is leading the way for Indian single-origin chocolate—no longer simply emulating European or American trends but creating a unique identity.
The launch of experiential retail outlets in cities such as New Delhi, featuring more than 350 products in 50 categories, beckons consumers to explore and discover the entire range of Indian cacao.
With Indian demand for cacao increasing and Manam's fine-flavor model taking off, the brand isn't just transforming chocolate—it's reinventing the narrative of Indian agriculture, innovation, and taste for the world.
Sources: The Print, Fortune India, Harper's Bazaar India
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