Meghana Harikumar
Bengaluru: The much-anticipated Indian Cacao & Craft Chocolate Festival returns for its fourth edition this November 16-17 at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC), bringing together the finest chocolate makers, cacao experts, and enthusiasts to celebrate the rich, untold story of Indian-origin chocolate. Set in a space renowned for its cultural vibrancy and expansive possibilities, BIC offers the perfect backdrop to showcase India’s burgeoning cacao and craft chocolate movement.
The festival promises a deeper connection between chocolate aficionados and India’s cacao-growing regions, many of which have long remained hidden in the shadows of global chocolate markets. For the first time in India, participants will have the rare opportunity to experience a guided international craft chocolate tasting led by none other than Martin Christy, co-founder of the International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting (IICCT) and Judging Director of the International Chocolate Awards. Christy, one of the world’s foremost experts on fine cacao, will guide attendees through an exploration of flavors that highlight the nuances of Indian-origin chocolate alongside global craft brands.
India’s Cacao Journey: A Growing Story of Sustainability and Craftsmanship
The Indian cacao scene is flourishing in ways few could have predicted just a decade ago. Historically, India has been a silent player in the global chocolate industry, often overshadowed by countries like Venezuela, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. But with India’s growing interest in sustainable agriculture and specialty foods, the Indian cacao sector is beginning to earn recognition for its unique flavors and ethical farming practices.
This year’s festival, built on years of exploration and collaboration, highlights Indian cacao from diverse regions such as Puttur in Karnataka, Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, Idukki in Kerala, and Pollachi in Tamil Nadu. These areas are rapidly gaining prominence, with smallholder farmers increasingly focusing on quality and sustainability rather than mass production. By emphasizing direct trade and fair farming practices, these farmers are not only cultivating superior cacao but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of India’s agricultural landscape.
India’s cacao revolution is more than just a trend—it is part of a larger global movement that seeks to elevate the standards of both cacao cultivation and chocolate-making. By providing a platform for farmers and chocolate makers, the festival sheds light on how Indian-origin chocolates can stand toe-to-toe with international brands in terms of quality, flavor, and ethical sourcing.
What to Expect: A Melange of Tastings, Workshops, and Collaborations
This year’s edition of the Indian Cacao & Craft Chocolate Festival is packed with exciting events that aim to educate, inspire, and delight chocolate lovers of all levels. The festival features a carefully curated program of workshops, tasting sessions, and masterclasses, catering to everyone from budding chocolate makers to seasoned professionals.
Key highlights include:
“Healthy Indulgence: Elevating Chocolate with Functional Ingredients” by Jashid Hameed & Prithvi Kini from Nuvedo, exploring how functional ingredients can add value to chocolate.
Chocolate Tempering 101 by Ketaki Churi, a chocolate maker known for her mastery in the art of tempering, will allow participants to get hands-on with the chocolate-making process.
Cacao and Our Physical Health by Partha Varanashi from Varanashi Farms, examining the nutritional benefits of cacao and its potential to improve health.
Artisanal Cheese & Craft Chocolate Pairing with Patricia Cosma, one of the festival’s co-founders and a recognized cacao expert. This session will show how the complex flavors of craft chocolate beautifully complement local cheeses.
A spotlight on India’s Cacao Genetics with Martin Christy, who will explore the unique varieties of Indian cacao and their distinct flavor profiles, showcasing how India’s terroir impacts chocolate quality.
One of the festival’s standout features this year is the appearance of international chocolate brands, marking a significant milestone for the Indian chocolate scene. Kokomo, a leading chocolate brand from the Philippines, and Boo Chocolate from Thailand, will showcase their products alongside India’s most celebrated craft chocolate makers such as Manam, Subko Cacao, Bon Fiction, and Chempotty Farms. This is a rare opportunity to taste chocolates from both domestic and international makers under one roof and see how the world of craft chocolate is rapidly expanding.
Beyond Tasting: A Celebration of Sustainability and Innovation
The festival is not just about tasting delicious chocolates; it’s also about delving into the complexities of cacao cultivation, sustainability, and the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in India. With a focus on sustainable cacao farming, the festival seeks to inform consumers about how they can support ethical chocolate production and promote sustainable agriculture.
For chocolate makers and industry professionals, the festival offers a unique chance to learn from the best in the business. Workshops on cacao genetics, business strategies, and pairing techniques with beverages like tea, wine, and coffee will allow attendees to explore how far Indian chocolate can go on the world stage. For instance, Rahul Reddy, one of India’s leading craft chocolatiers, will lead a session on Specialty Coffee Meets Fine Cacao, delving into the innovative intersections between these two beloved luxury foods.
A Vision for India’s Craft Chocolate Future
The festival was co-founded by Patricia Cosma, a Romanian entrepreneur with a deep love for India’s agricultural landscape, and Ketaki Churi, a culinary graduate and chocolate maker. Together, they aim to not only promote craft chocolate but also educate both consumers and producers about the potential of cacao farming in India. “India is uniquely poised to become a leader in the world of craft chocolate,” says Patricia Cosma. “Our cacao’s flavor profile is unlike any other, and through events like this, we can bring that to the world’s attention.”
Ketaki Churi echoes this sentiment, “Our mission is to demystify the process of chocolate making and show how Indian-origin chocolate can stand proud alongside the best in the world. This festival is a step in that direction—bringing everyone together to celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability.”
Why Attend?
Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a budding chocolatier, or someone interested in sustainable farming practices, this festival is for you. It’s an opportunity to taste the future of chocolate, learn from industry experts, and support the growing craft chocolate community in India.
The Indian Cacao & Craft Chocolate Festival isn’t just an event—it’s a movement that’s rewriting the story of chocolate, one bean at a time. With its commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and ethical practices, the festival is poised to make a lasting impact on India’s cacao and chocolate industry for years to come.
Event Details:
Date: November 16-17, 2024
Location: Bangalore International Centre (BIC)
For Tickets & Schedule: craftchocolateindia.com
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this sweet revolution—mark your calendars and indulge in the rich, decadent world of Indian craft chocolate!
Editor
Meghana Harikumar
