From bean to bar: Manam’s Indian chocolate revolution | Fusion - WeRIndia

India is known for its spices and tea, but now, chocolate joins that list, thanks to Manam Chocolate, a homegrown startup on a mission.

Founded by Chaitanya Muppala, Manam is crafting premium chocolate from Indian cacao grown in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari.

Manam’s story starts on Indian soil. Nearly 150 farmers grow cacao beans that form the heart of every bar.

These beans are processed at the world’s second-largest fine-flavour fermentery.

Unlike industrial chocolate, Manam focuses on drawing flavour from the bean itself, not additives.

Chaitanya doesn’t follow the popular “bean-to-bar” model. Instead, he believes in going further, starting before the bean is born.

The goal is clear: make Indian cacao known globally for its quality and complexity.

At their Hyderabad experience centre in Banjara Hills, the journey comes full circle. The facade is shaped like a chocolate bar.

Inside, the air is rich with the aroma of roasted cacao. Over 300 products across 50+ categories are available, from bars and bonbons to gelato and viennoiserie.

Every chocolate bar has a QR code. Scan it, and you’ll trace the cacao to its farmer and farm. This isn’t just about transparency.

It ensures fair compensation for every hand involved, farmers, fermenters, processors, and chocolatiers. That’s why it’s called Manam, Telugu for we.

AI and blockchain monitor bean quality and ensure consistency. At the factory, you can watch chocolate being made, roasted, ground, and moulded. Even the machinery pays homage to India, using traditional idli grinders from Coimbatore.

Visitors can also build their own bar at the Chocolate Lab. Choose from dark, milk or white chocolate and add ingredients like Imam Pasand mango or West Godavari bananas. Prices range from ₹250 upwards. Recognition came quickly.

Time Magazine named Manam among the world’s 100 best places to visit in 2024. The startup has already won 17 international awards in less than a year.

Manam plans to expand to metro cities across India and soon take Indian-origin chocolate to the world.

Image Credit: Manamchocolate Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://manamchocolate.com/