Premium craft chocolate brand Manam Chocolate has secured $9 million in a Series A funding round led by Omnivore, with additional participation from the Turner Morrison consortium. The fresh investment is set to support the company's ambitious expansion plans, particularly across the Delhi NCR region, while strengthening its presence in India's growing premium food and experiential retail market.
Founded in 2021 by Hyderabad-based entrepreneur Chaitanya Muppala, Manam Chocolate has quickly emerged as a notable player in the country's craft chocolate segment. The brand has earned several international accolades for its products and is known for its focus on quality, traceability, and origin-led chocolate making. Muppala is also India's first Level 3 Certified Chocolate Taster accredited by the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting (IICCT), USA.
Currently, the company operates experiential retail destinations including its outlet at Eldeco Center in Saket, New Delhi, the Manam Chocolate Karkhana in Hyderabad's Banjara Hills, and the Manam Chocolate Beverage Bar in Knowledge City, Hyderabad. Alongside its physical stores, the brand reaches customers across India through its direct-to-consumer channels.
The newly raised capital will be used to accelerate Manam Chocolate's retail expansion plans, with several new outlets expected to open across the Delhi NCR region over the next year. The move reflects the company's confidence in the growing demand for premium and artisanal food experiences among urban consumers.
Manam Chocolate's business model extends far beyond retail. Through its parent company, Distinct Origins Pvt Ltd, it manages multiple stages of the chocolate production process, including cacao cultivation, fermentation, chocolate manufacturing, and confectionery development. The company works closely with more than 250 farmers cultivating over 3,000 acres of cacao farms in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district, helping create a strong farm-to-bar ecosystem.
In addition, the company operates the Distinct Origins Cacao Fermentery in Tadikalapudi, West Godavari, where technology-driven processes and scientific interventions are used to improve fermentation practices and develop unique Indian cacao profiles for chocolate production.
Commenting on the funding, Chaitanya Muppala, Founder, Manam Chocolate & CEO Distinct Origins Pvt. Ltd., said, "This investment marks an important milestone in our journey to build a globally respected Indian craft chocolate company rooted deeply in origin. Over the last few years, we have focused on strengthening every part of the value chain- from cacao cultivation and fermentation to chocolate making and have developed multiple retail models. We are now excited to partner with Omnivore and our existing investors from the Turner Morrison consortium, whose early belief in our long-term vision and commitment to building a differentiated Indian brand and strong enterprise with global aspirations creates significant confidence for us. Their support will help us scale with intent, strengthen our presence in key markets, and continue showcasing the extraordinary potential of Indian cacao to audiences in India and globally."
Sharing the rationale behind the investment, Reihem Roy, Partner, Omnivore, said, "Premium consumer brands like Manam Chocolate, anchored with a strong farmer-partnered supply chain, demonstrate how origin-led value addition can improve livelihoods at the farm level while reducing the commodity-price volatility. As climate pressures reshape global cacao supply, investment in alternative, high-quality origins such as India represents both a commercial opportunity and a contribution to a more resilient global food system."
The funding round highlights growing investor confidence in premium food brands that combine strong sourcing capabilities with immersive retail experiences. As consumers increasingly seek high-quality, artisanal products and authentic brand stories, Manam Chocolate is positioning itself to capitalize on the expanding demand for premium chocolate experiences in India's major urban markets
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