India has long been known for its spices and tea, but what many people don't realize is that it's also home to some of the world's finest chocolate makers. If you're a chocolate lover and want to explore the sweet world of Indian chocolate, then a guided tour with artisanal chocolatiers is the perfect way to do so.
Mason & Co.
Mason & Co. is an artisanal chocolate company based in Auroville, a spiritual community located in southern India. The company was founded by Jane and Fabien Mason, who were inspired by the local cacao growers in the region. Today, Mason & Co. produces a range of organic and vegan chocolates, which are sold throughout India and exported to several countries around the world.
The guided tour offered by Mason & Co. is a great way to learn about the chocolate-making process, from the bean to the bar. Visitors are taken on a tour of the company's factory, where they can see the cocoa beans being roasted and ground. They'll also learn about the different stages of chocolate-making, from tempering to molding.
The Mason & Co. tour offers a delightful opportunity to indulge in the company's delectable chocolate creations, which is definitely one of its highlights. During the tour, visitors can relish a comprehensive sampling of the entire range of offerings by the company, which lasts for a duration of two hours. These tours are conducted in groups of 12, and the dates for the same are announced beforehand on the company's website.
Amul
Amul is one of the largest dairy cooperatives in India, and it's known for its range of dairy products, from milk to cheese. But the company also produces a line of chocolate bars that are made from locally sourced cocoa beans and single-origin cacao that is flown in from farms all around the world.
The Amul chocolate factory is located in the town of Anand, in the western state of Gujarat. Visitors to the factory can take a guided tour, which includes a visit to the chocolate-making unit. Here, they can see the cocoa beans being roasted, ground, and turned into chocolate. The tour also includes a visit to the packaging unit, where the finished chocolate bars are wrapped and prepared for shipping.
One of the unique features of the Amul tour is the chance to see how the company's chocolate bars are made using milk powder, which is one of the main ingredients. Visitors can also sample some of the company's most popular chocolate bars, including the classic milk chocolate and the rich, dark chocolate. The company provides free tours at various times throughout the day, almost every day of the year. To confirm the exact availability of tour slots, visitors can check the company's website.
Anuttama
Anuttama is a Puttur-based chocolate brand that was started in 2020 by Swathi Kallegundi and Balasubramanya. Anuttama is a brand that was born out of the founders' love and passion for their farm, where they grew cocoa, which they later used to create their chocolates.
The company sources cocoa from neighboring farms and from one of their primary suppliers, Varanashi Organic Farms. One of Anuttama's popular chocolate bars, the Spicy Tang, recently won a bronze award in the Dark Chocolate Bars with an Infusion or Flavoring category at the International Chocolate Awards, Asia-Pacific Bean to Bar and Craft Chocolatier Competition 2021–22. The Spicy Tang bar is made by infusing 62% dark chocolate with organic pepper and ginger grown on their farm, and its flavors are based on the traditional Indian drink known as "kashaya." This drink is made using ginger, pepper, and other herbs, sweetened with jaggery. The Spicy Tang Bar is widely praised for its perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
In addition to their award-winning Spicy Tang bar, Anuttama was also listed as a grand jury finalist in three categories of the competition. Anuttama's dedication to using high-quality, organic ingredients and their commitment to sustainable farming practices have earned them a loyal following among chocolate enthusiasts.
Although the company doesn't have a formal guided tour program, they are open to receiving visitors on any day of the year. To ensure that someone will be available to show you around, it's recommended that you contact the company through their website and check for staff availability beforehand. The company is always happy to have visitors and provide a glimpse into their operations.
A guided tour with artisanal chocolatiers in India offers a truly indulgent and immersive experience for chocolate lovers. From the sourcing of high-quality cocoa beans to the delicate crafting of each delectable piece, the process of chocolate-making is an art form that requires both technical skill and a creative touch.
Mason & Co., Amul, and Anuttama are three of the premier chocolate brands in India that offer guided tours of their facilities, providing an intimate glimpse into the world of chocolate production. Each brand offers a unique experience that showcases the passion and dedication of their chocolatiers, as well as the exquisite flavors and textures of their creations.
Whether you're a seasoned chocolate connoisseur or a curious newcomer, a guided tour of India's artisanal chocolate makers is a journey that will leave a lasting impression. It's an opportunity to taste the subtle nuances of different cocoa bean varieties, discover the innovative and exotic flavors that can be achieved with the right combination of ingredients, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of chocolate-making.