Artisanal chocolate brands in India have experienced a remarkable surge in the last few years, diversifying the country's confectionery landscape. These brands focus on quality, handcrafted chocolates made from locally sourced ingredients, offering unique flavours reflecting India's rich cultural heritage. With an emphasis on ethical sourcing and traditional production methods, these chocolatiers have garnered domestic and international attention.
And in a significant achievement for Indian chocolate craftsmanship, Paul And Mike, a premium homegrown chocolate brand, clinched two coveted spots among the top 25 chocolates in the world at the prestigious International Chocolate Awards World Finals.
The event, held on November 26 in Florence, Italy, witnessed Paul And Mike's Gin and Ginger dark chocolate securing the remarkable 9th position, marking the first instance of an Indian brand breaking into the top 10 on the global chocolate stage. Adding to this accolade, their Sichuan Pepper And Orange Peel dark chocolate claimed the 23rd spot.
The brand's award-winning chocolates included Mango IPA Beer, Rum and Rummy Raisins, and the 87% Dark Plain. These delectable creations were evaluated on a scale of 100, with the scores as follows:
Gin and Ginger (92.1)
Sichuan Pepper and Orange Peel (91.1)
Mango IPA Beer (90.0)
Rum and Rummy Raisins (89.8)
87% Plain Dark (86.9)
Vikas Temani, the Founder and CEO of Paul and Mike, stated, "These awards validate the focused efforts put in by our dedicated team over the past five years."
What sets this achievement apart is the global recognition and the surpassing of renowned chocolate makers like Fu Wan from Taiwan, Friis Holm from Denmark, and Pacari from Ecuador. Temani attributed this success to their meticulous approach to product development and unwavering commitment to quality enhancement.
"Crafting high-quality chocolates with a high cocoa percentage, without relying on sugar or milk to mask imperfections in cocoa, involves tremendous complexity. Our research and development team continually pushes the boundaries of cocoa and chocolate expertise to achieve this consistently," he added.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by their customers and judges, Temani mentioned, "We have continually integrated feedback from both our customers and the esteemed panel of judges, culminating in numerous improvements over the years reflected in our exceptional quality today."
According to a report by IMARC (International Market Analysis Research and Consulting) Group, in 2022, the Indian chocolate market achieved a valuation of USD 2.4 billion. This market is anticipated to surge to USD 4.1 billion by 2028, showcasing an impressive compound annual growth rate of 8.8 per cent between 2023 and 2028.
The market's upward trajectory is fueled by the proliferation of e-commerce platforms nationwide, enabling convenient access to various domestic and international chocolate offerings. Additionally, the introduction of unique flavours and innovative packaging formats stands as pivotal catalysts propelling market expansion.
Changing consumer preferences in India have significantly influenced the chocolate industry. There's a growing trend among consumers to opt for healthier choices, with a heightened awareness regarding the ingredients in their food items, including chocolates. Consequently, there's been a notable shift towards dark chocolates, perceived as healthier due to their higher cocoa content and reduced sugar levels.
Responding to this shift, manufacturers are meeting demand by creating chocolates with natural and organic ingredients devoid of artificial preservatives and additives. Moreover, they're incorporating nuts, seeds, and fruits, enriching the health value of their products. Additionally, increased awareness of the health advantages associated with consuming cocoa, such as enhanced heart health and antioxidant properties, has significantly impacted the Indian chocolate market.
Named after two Latin American fine cocoa farmers, Paul and Mike operates from Kochi, Kerala. Partnering with farmers in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, it oversees wet cocoa bean sourcing and post-harvest processes. Its chocolate production unit, situated a kilometre from the Kochi farm, is the hub of its chocolate creations. Interestingly, visitors are encouraged to engage in farm-to-bar tours, interacting with agronomists and chocolatiers, allowing a glimpse into the cultivation and crafting processes.
In their mission to create a sustainable chocolate industry, Paul And Mike have set a target to achieve Carbon Negative status by 2023. Their commitment to sustainability begins at the source. Operating their cocoa farms in Kochi and Coimbatore, they prioritise eco-conscious cultivation and fermentation practices. Moreover, their partnership with farmers in Idukki in Kerala, Pollachi in Tamil Nadu, and the West Godavari region in Andhra Pradesh sets a new standard. By offering compensations significantly higher than others, Paul And Mike incentivise these farmers to adhere to their exacting standards for cocoa bean harvesting and fermentation.
