Indulging in Opulence: A Journey Through India's Luxury Chocolate Brands

India's culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture, and in recent years, the country has witnessed a burgeoning appreciation for luxury chocolates. Discerning consumers are seeking premium confections that offer not just taste but an experience—melding artisanal craftsmanship with exotic flavors and ethically sourced ingredients. This evolution has paved the way for several homegrown brands to make their mark in the luxury chocolate segment, offering products that rival international standards.

LUXURY

By Disha Jain

3/10/20254 min read

Castle AY25. Photo: WB

Fabelle Chocolates by ITC: The Epitome of Luxury

Fabelle Exquisite Chocolates, an offering from ITC, has redefined luxury in the Indian chocolate market. Their limited edition range, 'Trinity-Truffles Extraordinaire,' is a testament to opulence, crafted from rare ingredients sourced globally.Collaborating with renowned Michelin Star Chef Philippe Conticini, Fabelle created this extraordinary collection, which even achieved a Guinness World Record for the most expensive chocolate. Packaged in an elegant wooden box containing 15 chocolates, each weighing 15 grams, this exclusive offering was priced at an astounding ₹4.3 lakh per kilogram.Although this particular collection is no longer available, Fabelle continues to offer a range of exquisite chocolates that exemplify luxury and craftsmanship.

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artisanal

culinary artistry

ROYCE': Japanese Precision Meets Indian Palate

Originating from Japan, ROYCE' has captivated Indian chocolate enthusiasts with its distinctive and freshly crafted chocolates. Established in 1983 on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, ROYCE' encapsulates the essence of all four seasons within its confections. The brand made its Indian debut in Mumbai in July 2013 and has since expanded to cities like Bengaluru, New Delhi, Gurugram, Pune, and Kolkata. Among its offerings, the ROYCE' Grand Treasure Gift Basket stands out as a luxurious treat, priced at ₹14,250.

La Folie: Artisanal Mastery in Every Bite

La Folie is renowned for its artisanal approach to bean-to-bar chocolate making. Sourcing single-origin cacao from ethical producers worldwide, La Folie transforms it into small batches of delectable treats. Crafted by Chef Sanjana Patel and her team in Mumbai, these chocolates epitomize culinary artistry. Visitors can explore their Small Batch Chocolate Factory through guided tours, indulge in a light lunch at the La Folie Factory Café, or participate in workshops at their culinary studio, The Classroom. A box of 16 La Folie bonbons is priced at ₹1,600, embodying luxury and indulgence.

Vivanda: Crafting Experiences Beyond Chocolates

Founded by Arun Narang and Ashish Bawa, Vivanda is an Indian luxury chocolate brand that elevates gifting to an art form. Rooted in India's traditions of hospitality and gift-giving, Vivanda blends age-old techniques with modern technology to create unforgettable experiences. By sourcing premium ingredients globally, Vivanda offers chocolates with unmatched flavor and texture. Their diverse selection includes Signature Creations and assorted Collections, typically priced around ₹2,000, reflecting their commitment to luxury and quality.

Soklet: India's Tree-to-Bar Pioneer

Soklet is India's first and only tree-to-bar chocolate maker, offering luxury chocolates crafted from meticulously chosen cocoa beans. Nestled in the Anamalai foothills, Soklet's cocoa plantations thrive alongside spices and fruits like nutmeg, coconut, pepper, and banana, resulting in a rich tapestry of flavors. Adhering to traditional methods, Soklet uses only cocoa beans and sugar in its chocolate-making process. The Soklet Kaapi Break Collection, priced at ₹1,470, exemplifies their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Fantasie Fine Chocolate: A Legacy of Sweet Excellence

With over 75 years of heritage, Fantasie Fine Chocolates has been a cherished name in India's luxury chocolate scene since 1946. Their commitment to preserving time-honored recipes is evident in every delectable bite. Signature creations include internationally inspired truffles, velvety milk chocolate, indulgent roasted almond rock, and sumptuous soft-centered pralines. Their gift hampers, ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000, epitomize elegance and sophistication.

Pascati: Pioneering Fair Trade and Organic Chocolates

Born out of passion, Pascati was India's first fair trade-compliant brand when launched in 2015. Certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture, Pascati sources cocoa beans from Kerala's Idukki and Malabar regions. Crafted in small batches, their dark chocolate uses sustainably sourced ingredients. Gourmet bars and bonbons, starting from ₹1,350, make an ideal choice for daily indulgence or corporate gifting.

Flaneur: A Symphony of Global and Local Flavors

Flaneur is redefining indulgence by combining traditional Indian ingredients with contemporary chocolate-making techniques. Using ethically sourced, high-quality cocoa beans from around the world, Flaneur crafts chocolates that stand out for their sophisticated flavors and rich textures. Unique offerings include rose-infused chocolates and masala chai chocolate bars, reflecting a harmonious blend of global and local flavors.

Savour Chocolate & Patisserie: Gourmet Delights with a Personal Touch

Based in Bangalore, Savour Chocolate & Patisserie offers a range of luxurious handmade chocolates. Founded by award-winning chocolatier and pastry chef Pradeep Khullar, Savour is known for its meticulous attention to detail and emphasis on high-quality, ethically sourced cocoa beans. Specialties include chocolate truffles, pralines, and bespoke chocolate sculptures, each crafted with utmost care.