Celebrating World Chocolate Day 2025: The surging growth of artisanal chocolates in India through ingenuity
**India's Craft Chocolate Market on the Rise**
The Indian craft chocolate market is currently experiencing significant growth and evolution, driven by rising consumer interest, innovation in bean-to-bar production, and enhanced farmer engagement. This sector is part of a larger chocolate market in India, which was valued at around USD 1.82 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.75% through 2030, with the potential to reach USD 5.3 billion by 2032 [1][2].
Indian consumers are exploring newer brands, flavours, and are willing to pay a premium for quality. This shift in preference is evident in the strong demand for Indian cacao and fine craft chocolate. In fact, despite India producing only 0.4% of the world's total cocoa, the country consumes close to 7% of the world's cocoa production [3].
The surge in the craft chocolate market can be attributed to the bean-to-bar movement, where manufacturers control the entire process from cocoa bean to final chocolate bar. This approach has revitalised farmer participation, encouraging better cocoa quality through improved fermentation and drying techniques, enabling farmers to command higher prices [1].
Brands like Manam Chocolates purchase cocoa pods directly from farmers (over 200 farmers in Andhra Pradesh), applying proprietary post-harvest processes to enhance bean quality. This method not only creates premium chocolate but also allows better profitability for farmers by exporting high-quality beans to international craft chocolate makers [1][4].
Homegrown brands like Kocoatrait, Paul & Mike, and Manam Chocolates are pivotal players driving this transformation, positioning India not only as a growing consumer market but increasingly as a producer of high-quality, globally competitive craft chocolate [1][4].
Despite robust growth, the industry faces challenges such as the surge in cocoa prices, which peaked in early 2025 at historic highs, increasing raw material costs and potentially affecting consumer prices and purchasing behaviour, especially in more price-sensitive segments [5].
To ensure the continued growth of local brands and affordability for Indian consumers, new cocoa plantings are considered necessary, according to Vikas Temani, co-founder of Paul & Mike. The co-founders of Mozimo Chocolates argue that recognising and celebrating Indian cacao can help shift the narrative about high-quality chocolate and foster a sense of national pride within the industry.
The cacao growing belt in India is across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Brands like Manam Chocolates have taken years to build a reliable farmer network for equitable and transparent transactions. As these brands gain recognition on a global stage, with awards like the International Chocolate Awards and mentions in leading magazines, the future of India's craft chocolate market looks promising.
References: [1] BusinessWorld. (2021, November 16). The rise of Indian craft chocolates. https://www.businessworld.in/special-reports/the-rise-of-indian-craft-chocolates/ [2] Food Navigator-Asia. (2022, February 1). India's chocolate market to grow by 6.75% CAGR to 2030. https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2022/02/01/India-s-chocolate-market-to-grow-by-6-75-CAGR-to-2030 [3] The Economic Times. (2021, November 16). India's love for chocolate is never going away. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/indias-love-for-chocolate-is-never-going-away/articleshow/87871056.cms [4] Forbes India. (2021, December 22). How Manam Chocolates is making a mark in India's craft chocolate scene. https://www.forbesindia.com/article/lifestyle/how-manam-chocolates-is-making-a-mark-in-indias-craft-chocolate-scene/65476/1 [5] The Hindu BusinessLine. (2022, March 23). Cocoa prices soar to record high, could impact chocolate industry. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/cocoa-prices-soar-to-record-high-could-impact-chocolate-industry/article47994504.ece
- The growth in India's craft chocolate market is influenced by a shift in consumer lifestyle, with individuals showing interest in premium food-and-drink options such as artisanal chocolate.
- The home-and-garden sector is also impacted by this trend, as global cuisines find a place in Indian kitchens due to the acceptance of various food preferences, such as exotic chocolate flavors.
- As the craft chocolate market expands in India, brands also focus on innovation in cooking techniques, collaborating with farmers to adopt better cocoa fermentation and drying methods, contributing to the overall improvement in food quality.
