Right after TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2024 recognition, Manam-Founder Chaitanya Muppala says the Indian cacao revolution is just starting

Unlike bean-to-bar chocolates, Muppala said his vision has been to create a ‘“farm-to-fermentery’ experience with over 300 chocolate confections across 50 categories”.

“For many, the chocolate-eating experience is limited to shopping from a supermarket or taking it out from a refrigerator and consuming it but Indian chocolate is more than that. Not many know that Indian chocolate comes from a cacao tree. Indian-grown cacao is no less than Swiss and Belgian chocolates, which are widely considered the gold standard. I would say the Indian cacao revolution is just starting. The aspirational nature of the urban Indian consumers is perfect to bring a culinary change in India and globally,” expressed Muppala.

The Indian craft chocolate brand uses proprietary technology to manufacture the cacao sourced with the help of over 100 farmers from Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district known as one of India’s largest cacao region spread over 1,500 acres of cacao farms. The brand, with the help of its parent company Distinct Origins, takes ownership of the entire process from cacao pod to bean to endless chocolate confectionery categories.

The featured products are bonbons, truffles, fudge, rochers, macarons, cakes, pastries, and even hot and cold beverages. “The offering aims to be relatable such that it is deeply rooted in our memories of eating, sharing, and enjoying chocolate,” shared Muppala.

Here’s a glimpse of Chocolatiering at Manam Chocolate Karkhana (Source: PR Handout)

Interestingly, Muppala also launched the brand’s first flagship experiential space – the Manam Chocolate Karkhana, at Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. “I want the world to look beyond Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru when it comes to building technology from scratch and making it tick. We intend to create experiences that are not only complex and nuanced but also delightful like a great chocolate should be. The Karkhana presents an opportunity to discover, explore, experience, and interact with chocolate in its endless interpretations in a live and experiential format, that combines craft and retail,” said Muppala, who also conducts craft chocolate workshops.

While appreciating the diversity and variety of chocolate, Muppala mentioned that instead of competition, he views craft chocolate brands as a community that is no longer just limited to the addition of sea salt or the packaging but offers a more customised chocolate experience with a taste and flavour that is unparalleled.