From Hyderabad to Delhi: A Craft Chocolate Revolution

In the span of just 18 months, Manam Chocolate—born at IIT‑backed Sangam Innovation Hub in Chennai—has evolved from a boutique Hyderabad initiative into a pan‑India craft chocolate pioneer. With over 350 SKUs in 50 categories, it’s redefining Indian chocolate culture and garnering global attention 1.

A Full‑Cycle Story: Bean to Bonbon

Founder Chaitanya Muppala, scion of Hyderabad’s Almond House, launched Manam in August 2023 with a mission to champion indigenous cacao. Through his company Distinct Origins, he partnered with 150+ farmers across 1,500 acres in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari—India’s largest cacao‑growing region 2. Manam controls everything: farming, fermentation at their Tadikalapudi fermentery, bean‑to‑bar production in Hyderabad, and immersive retail experiences in Saket, Delhi.

Immersive Experiences & Product Innovation

The Saket flagship spans 3,200 sq ft and presents live chocolaterie, aroma‑filled bakeries, beverage bars, and ‘make‑your‑own’ counters 3. It features hot chocolate, gianduja, bonbons, barks, clusters, and more. Signature offerings include single‑origin Indian tablets and experimental fermentation series with local ingredients like mango and curry leaf 4.

Growth Stats & Business Momentum

Projected annual run rate is ₹50 crore for 2025, driven by 125% year‑on‑year growth 5. With over 40% of sales from Delhi, Manam is expanding its footprint into Mumbai and Bengaluru and eyeing international export potential 6.

Awards & Global Recognition

Within months of launch, Manam earned awards from the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting and the UK Academy of Chocolate 7. Time magazine lauded Manam for its origin storytelling and farmer‑centric branding 8.

Challenges & Vision

Founder Chaitanya stresses that Indian cacao lacks fine‑flavour genetics, so exceptional fermentation and processing are vital 9. The brand emphasizes farmer welfare: beans carry farmers’ names, and farmers receive 20–25% of final value versus ~6% in conventional supply chains 10.

Trivia & Quiz

• How many SKUs does Manam offer? 350+
• Which district hosts Manam’s cacao fermentery? West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
• What unique feature does each bar include? The farmer’s name

Source: Times Now News