New Delhi | November 19, 2025

A recent viral video has sparked a fresh conversation among chocolate lovers in India. Sharon Terenzi, a well-known chocolate blogger, taster, and consultant, shared a detailed Instagram video explaining why imported chocolates continue to dominate the Indian market despite India being capable of producing high-quality chocolate from its own cacao. Her video has encouraged many viewers to think more deeply about the chocolates they buy and enjoy.

Terenzi begins by pointing out a surprising fact: India is one of the few countries in the world that can produce chocolate from start to finish using cacao grown within its own borders. States like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have ideal conditions for growing cacao. Because of this, several Indian craft chocolate makers have emerged who not only make chocolate but also grow and study cacao themselves. Many of these makers have received global awards and recognition for their work.

However, Terenzi says the unfortunate truth is that most Indians still prefer imported brands like Cadbury, Nestlé, Ferrero, and Godiva. She describes these products as mass-produced, often low-quality, and sometimes linked to unethical practices. Meanwhile, the locally made, high-quality chocolates remain less popular even though they are grown and crafted with great care. This contrast, she says, is surprising and even disappointing for a country capable of producing excellent chocolate.

Terenzi also highlights that things are slowly changing. She points to the Indian Craft & Cacao Chocolate Festival, scheduled to take place in early December in Bangalore. The festival will bring together top Indian craft chocolate brands for three days of tastings, interactions, workshops, and learning sessions. She expresses excitement about the festival, calling it a major opportunity for Indian consumers to discover how good local chocolate truly is. The event aims to spotlight the rise of Indian craft chocolate and introduce more people to its rich flavours and unique qualities.

In her caption, Terenzi explains that India is going through what she calls a “chocolate renaissance.” Cacao farmers are planting special varieties of beans, improving fermentation methods, and experimenting with new techniques. Aspiring chocolate makers are entering the field, while established ones are gaining popularity. A small but passionate community of Indian craft chocolate fans is also growing quickly. International attention toward Indian craft chocolate is increasing as well.

She mentions several standout craft chocolate brands that will be part of the festival, including Manam Chocolate, PASCATI Artisan Chocolate, Bon Fiction, Subko Cacao, Mason & Co., Paul and Mike, and Darkins Chocolate. She describes the festival as a chance to taste some of the best chocolates in India, learn from experts, and support the farmers and artisans behind these products.

The viral video has attracted strong reactions online. Some people say imported chocolates are simply cheaper, which is why consumers choose them. Others say that while Indian craft chocolates are excellent, their higher prices make them a luxury. Some users believe India is ready to shift toward local chocolate, while others argue that India’s climate does not always support growing top-quality cacao. Despite these mixed opinions, the discussion has clearly made many people rethink their chocolate choices.

Whether this conversation leads to lasting change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Indian chocolate makers are gaining attention, and many consumers are now more open to exploring the rich world of home-grown chocolate.

 Why Imported Chocolates Still Dominate India, Even as Local Craft Chocolate Rises

Why do so many people in India still buy imported chocolates when India can make excellent chocolate at home? This question has gone viral after chocolate expert Sharon Terenzi shared a video explaining how India grows its own cacao and produces high-quality craft chocolate. States like Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu grow cacao that skilled Indian makers turn into award-winning chocolate. Yet, most people still buy foreign brands like Cadbury, Nestlé, Ferrero, and Godiva.

Sharon says this happens mainly because people are used to these brands and often do not know how good Indian craft chocolate can be. She also points out that many imported chocolates are mass-produced and often lower in quality compared to handmade Indian bars.

She highlights the upcoming Indian Craft & Cacao Chocolate Festival in Bangalore, where top Indian chocolate makers will showcase their work. The event will allow visitors to taste local chocolates, learn from experts, and understand how much effort goes into making premium Indian chocolate. The video has started a big conversation, with people talking about price, quality, and how India can support its own chocolate industry. Many are now excited to try local craft chocolate for the first time.