Restaurant India News: CocoCart Launches Italian Chocolate Brand Venchi in India

CocoCart has announced the India launch of Venchi, marking the entry of the Italian chocolate and gelato company into the Indian market. The move represents a major step in CocoCart’s expansion strategy as it builds a larger premium food and beverage franchise platform in India.

Founded in Turin in 1878, Venchi is known for its chocolate-making heritage, artisanal gelato, and premium retail format. The company traces its origins to founder Silviano Venchi, who began producing chocolate in Italy before expanding the business into a globally recognised chocolate and gelato brand.

With the India launch, CocoCart plans to position Venchi within the country’s growing premium chocolate, luxury gifting, and experiential food retail segment. The company said the partnership aligns with its broader strategy of introducing international gourmet brands to Indian consumers through a franchise-led retail model.

Venchi becomes part of CocoCart’s expanding boutiques portfolio, which also includes Neuhaus, Café Bateel, and Le Pain Quotidien. According to the company’s briefing note, the boutiques vertical is supported by a planned capex investment of Rs 56.8 crore, with a target of opening 32 stores across four cities by Year 3 and achieving an FY30 revenue target of Rs 143.1 crore.

Karan Ahuja, Co-Founder, CocoCart, said, “Bringing Venchi to India is a moment we have been building towards for a long time. For nearly 150 years, Venchi has stood for the kind of craftsmanship and quiet luxury the new Indian consumer instinctively gravitates towards. We are choosing to open first within the Mumbai airport ecosystem because today's premium Indian traveller is global, discerning, and our most natural first audience. From there, we will move into downtown Mumbai, and in time, build a meaningful national footprint. This is the beginning of CocoCart's larger vision for premium gourmet in India."

The launch comes as demand for premium chocolates, artisanal desserts, and experience-led gourmet retail formats continues to rise among urban consumers in India. CocoCart is positioning the Venchi brand as part of a broader push toward destination-driven gourmet retail and luxury gifting.

Globally, Venchi offers more than 60 chocolate variants along with artisanal gelato products. The company also highlights its clean-label approach, with products free from gluten, palm oil, artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives.

Karan added, “For CocoCart, this is not just about launching another international brand. It is about creating a long-term platform for premium F&B brands in India. We believe India is at an inflection point where consumers are ready for global gourmet experiences that are accessible, aspirational and rooted in quality.”

CocoCart’s expansion roadmap includes Mumbai and Delhi as primary markets, followed by planned expansion into Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. According to the company, its boutiques vertical is expected to generate 575 jobs by FY28.