Chocolate makers stoke boom for Indian cocoa beans

Cocoa bean production in India has increased significantly. This year it reached 110,000 tons, which is 40% more than in 2015. But this is still not enough to satisfy the demand of local chocolate and confectionery producers.

The Cocoa Board of India estimates that industry demand is growing at 15% per annum.

Founded in 2019, Kocoatrait is part of the new generation of Indian chocolate makers.

The company, based in the east coast city of Chennai, uses only Indian cocoa beans.

One reason for this is that locally grown beans have a much smaller carbon footprint than beans imported from another continent.

Besides, says Kocoatrait founder Nitin Chordia, Indian beans are cheaper than imported ones and have a distinctive taste.

Mr Jordia also runs an agricultural school where farmers are introduced to the latest innovations in bean fermentation and drying.

“We are constantly focusing on improving post-harvest practices for cocoa farmers in India,” he says.

He adds that Indian farmers need to produce better quality beans.

“We cannot compete with international players in the cocoa wholesale segment,” he says.

Despite the improvement in the situation, Indian manufacturers still have work to do.

“Over the last decade, India has started to get noticed in the fine-flavored cocoa bean segment… but it will be several years before all Indian fine-flavored cocoa beans reach the stage of widespread international recognition.”