Elevate Your Lifestyle: Discover the Latest in Chocolate Trends and News!

Attending a chocolate profiling session with Chaitanya Muppala is truly a treat. He’s the founder and CEO of Manam, India’s first craft chocolate brand based in Hyderabad. During the session, he shares how to savor chocolate properly. “Let it melt on your tongue,” he advises. “If you bite it too soon, you miss those delicate flavor notes.”

Muppala, who holds a level-3 certification from the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting in the U.S., emphasizes the story behind each chocolate bean. “You can taste the terroir, the soil, and the climate,” he notes. “Craft chocolate is more than just sweet; it’s about experience. Not all chocolates are the same, and a quality dark chocolate should have just four or five ingredients.”

Craft chocolate is gaining popularity, much like artisanal bread and single-origin coffee. Muppala has partnered with over 100 farmers in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district to elevate Indian-grown cacao globally. Launched in August 2023, Manam was even featured in Time Magazine’s list of the World’s Greatest Places for 2024.

Muppala insists on direct relations with farmers to ensure the cacao is both high-quality and ethically sourced. This commitment is at the heart of craft chocolate. Unlike mass-produced options, craft chocolate focuses on rich flavors that come from careful roasting and minimal ingredients. “Supermarket chocolates lack this level of complexity,” he explains.

As you step into the Manam store in Delhi, the setup is impressive. The space feels like a luxurious chocolate factory, showcasing creamy white chocolate and dark chocolate from West Godavari. With over 300 different chocolate creations, including snacks and beverages, visitors can even watch chocolate being made live from the factory in Hyderabad.

Beyond its gourmet appeal, craft chocolate responds to larger issues in the industry. Muppala points out that consumers want to be connected to what they eat. “Choosing craft chocolate supports a whole ecosystem—from the farmers to the final product,” he says. Right now, India imports about 70% of its cocoa. Even as local production rises, it hasn’t yet matched the growing demand for chocolate.

Statistics show a booming market for craft chocolate. Reports estimate that the global chocolate market will grow significantly in the coming years, as consumers increasingly lean towards quality over quantity. Craft chocolate aligns with this trend by prioritizing ethical sourcing and sustainability.

In a recent survey, 78% of consumers expressed a desire for transparency in their food sources, a call echoed by Muppala in his commitment to craft chocolate. As more people seek quality options, the craft chocolate movement is poised for growth, cultivating a deeper appreciation for this sweet indulgence.

Explore more about craft chocolate and Muppala’s journey through his brand’s website.

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flavour, chocolate, patisseries, beverages, snacks, dark chocolate