A SWEET NOTE

After homegrown whiskeys and coffees, India is now on its way to make craft chocolate a part of its portfolio

- BY SUKRITI SHAHI

Even though India is the largest producer of cocoa in Asia, the idea of producing homegrown craft chocolate still sounds aspirational to us. The idea of craft chocolate is more than its definition on paper, it has a story behind it; the beans are sourced from a single farm in the region, dried and fermented in the manufacturing unit giving sole credit to the farmers. These are created in small batches incorporating the uniqueness and artistry of the chef. Sounds fun, right? While the idea of artisanal and craft chocolate is picking up on the global platform, it's pleasantly surprising to see India catching up with its growing popularity. We look at some of the most sought-after Indian chocolate brands that are changing the homegrown confectionary space.

LA FOLIE

Founded a decade ago, La Folie that introduced the Indian audience to unique French haute creations, is a brainchild of chef Sanjana Patel. A simple read on the Internet about Patel is enough to make the chocolate-lovers acquainted with her love affair with baking, which started when she was a teen, making carrot halwa cake in her summer holidays.

Since its inception, the brand has established itself as a premium player in the Indian chocolate industry. Offering high-end, artisanal chocolates that cater to discerning palates. While there are multiple players in the homegrown market, the brand sets itself apart from its competitors with its innovative flavour combinations, impeccable presentation and exceptional quality. La Folie's bean-to-bar process is tailor-made to coax flavours from the finest, single-origin cacao ethically sourced from around the world. Made with care, the organic beans are handcrafted into small batches of chocolate at La Folie's micro-factory in Mumbai.