Bean-to-bar homegrown chocolates have gained significant popularity in India, catering to the growing demand for high-quality artisanal chocolates. With an emphasis on sourcing cacao beans directly from farmers and employing meticulous production techniques, these chocolates offer a unique and flavorful experience. And now, most of the winners at the recently-hosted International Chocolate Awards Asia Pacific Competition were Indian chocolate brands.
Indian Chocolates Lead At International Chocolate Awards Asia Pacific Competition
The rise of bean-to-bar chocolates has had a profound impact on the Indian chocolate industry. 13 Indian bean-to-bar chocolate brands won at International Chocolate Awards Asia Pacific Competition held in Hong Kong.
This year’s awards featured new innovative and exciting applicants and winners. However, well-known chocolate brands won the majority. Moreover, most of these Indian brands have either been incubated at Cocoashala (a chocolate business incubation unit for startups) or are students or alumni.
Also Read: These 8 Homegrown Chocolates Are Lip-Smackingly So Good, You Wouldn’t Want To Share
Here Are The Chocolates That Won Big
The award-winning chocolate entries for the Asia Pacific 2023 are:
- Gold: Paul And Mike (India) – 57% Vegan Milk Indian Style Masala Chai
- Silver: Paul And Mike (India) – 72% Dark Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz
- Silver: Kocoatrait (India) – Kocoatrait 65% Dark Masala Chai
- Silver: Savorworks Roasters (India) – 72%- Gin & Tonic
- Silver: Paul And Mike (India) – 64% Dark Chocolate with Gin & Ginger
- Silver: Paul And Mike (India) – 64% Dark Sichuan Pepper & Orange Peel
- Silver: La Folie (India) – Silk Route
- Silver: Chitra’m Craft Chocolates (India) – White Chocolate – Masala Chaas
- Bronze: Paul And Mike (India) – 87% Dark Chocolate
- Bronze: Manam Chocolate (India) – 43% Milk, Lam Dong and Ben Tre, Vietnam
- Bronze: La Folie (India) – Kelagur Coffee Bar
- Bronze: Paul And Mike (India) – 64% Dark Rum & Rummy Raisins Chocolate
- Bronze: Paul And Mike (India) – 64% Dark Beer Chocolate
Additionally, bean-to-bar chocolates have created opportunities for cacao farmers and local artisans, encouraging sustainable practices and boosting economic growth in rural areas.
The bean-to-bar homegrown chocolate movement in India has revolutionised the chocolate industry. The result is a diverse range of artisanal chocolates that highlight the unique flavours and characteristics of Indian cacao beans.
Have you tasted any of these chocolates before?
Cover image credits: Website/Paul And Mike