Photo Credit: The Better India
Manam Chocolate, based in Hyderabad, is charting new territory in Indian craft chocolate with a bold mission: to put Indian-origin cacao on the global map while empowering over 300 farmers from West Godavari. Launched on World Chocolate Day, the brand has already earned acclaim, generating ₹8.7 crore in its first year and disrupting traditional perceptions about chocolate in India, as featured in The Better India.
From Mithai Legacy to Bean-to-Bar Revolution
Founder Chaitanya Muppala honed his entrepreneurial skills while growing his family’s mithai business, Almond House, across Hyderabad. Haunted by subpar imported chocolate, he embarked on a mission in 2018 to uncover the true essence of Indian cacao. Over 30 months, he lived with farmers in West Godavari to gain their trust and deeply understand soil, fermentation, and genetics. This led to creating Distinct Origins Pvt Ltd, India’s largest fine‑flavour fermentary, supporting 150+ farmers across 3,000 acres.
Unearthing Indian Flavor, Bar by Bar
The first Manam collection debuted in August 2023 in Banjara Hills, featuring 43 signature tablet flavours. Its Single-Farmer Series spotlights farmers like GVS Prasad and D Hari Krishna, each bar capturing the unique terroir of their farms. By paying above-market prices and crediting farmers directly on packaging, Manam champions transparency and pride in provenance.
Craft, Science, and Scale in Tandem
Manam Chocolate melds artisanal traditions with scientific precision. Beans undergo meticulous fermentation and drying at the West Godavari fermentary, then are refined, tempered, and crafted into couverture and confections at the Hyderabad “Karkhana.” This integrated process ensures consistent quality across 250+ products in 45 categories—from bonbons and barks to spreads and baked goods.
Immersion Spaces That Educate and Delight
The Hyderabad Karkhana and Delhi’s experiential outlet invite consumers into the chocolate-making journey. Guests can watch live chocolaterie, sample signature bonbons like curry leaf and chai, sip innovative chocolate beverages, and participate in workshops. Screens stream live footage from the cocoa fermentary, bridging the gap between farm and fork.
Accolades and Global Recognition
Manam’s dedication has been quickly rewarded: multiple international awards, including honors from the International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting and the UK Academy of Chocolate. In 2024, TIME Magazine named its Hyderabad factory as one of the world’s greatest places to explore.
Pioneering Sustainability and Traceability
Beyond flavor, Manam champions sustainability. Collaborations with farmers promote agroecological practices like vermicompost and mulching to revive soil health. QR-coded bars trace beans back to individual farms using blockchain. In February 2025, Manam exported India-grown beans to Switzerland—a first milestone for Indian fine-flavour cacao.
Charting the Future of Indian Chocolate
With ambitious plans to expand into baking cacao, confectionery, cafe chains, gifting, and airport retail, Manam isn’t merely replicating Western chocolate trends—it’s crafting a sustainable ecosystem rooted in Indian culture and values. This is a new chapter where India’s flavour, craftsmanship, and innovation combine to challenge global standards.
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