Restaurant India News: Manam Chocolate Raises US$ 9 Million to Accelerate Delhi NCR Expansion

Manam Chocolate, the premium craft chocolate brand owned by Distinct Origins Pvt Ltd, has raised US$ 9 million in a Series A funding round led by Omnivore, with participation from the Turner Morrison consortium. The investment is expected to support the company's retail expansion strategy and strengthen its position within India's growing premium food and experiential retail segments.

Founded in 2021 by Hyderabad-based entrepreneur Chaitanya Muppala, Manam Chocolate has established a presence in India's craft chocolate market while earning multiple international recognitions for its products. Muppala is also India's first Level 3 Certified Chocolate Taster accredited by the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting (IICCT), USA.

The company currently operates experiential retail locations at Eldeco Center in Saket, New Delhi; the Manam Chocolate Karkhana in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad; and the Manam Chocolate Beverage Bar in Knowledge City, Hyderabad. In addition to its physical outlets, the brand serves consumers nationwide through its direct-to-consumer channels.

According to the company, the newly raised capital will be deployed to accelerate expansion plans, including the opening of new retail spaces across the Delhi NCR market over the next 12 months.

Manam Chocolate oversees multiple stages of the chocolate value chain, spanning cacao cultivation, fermentation, chocolate manufacturing, and confectionery development. Through its parent company, Distinct Origins Pvt Ltd, the business works with more than 250 member farmers cultivating over 3,000 acres of cacao farms in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district, one of India's prominent cacao-growing regions.

The company also operates the Distinct Origins Cacao Fermentery in Tadikalapudi, West Godavari. The facility employs technology-driven processes and scientific interventions aimed at improving cacao fermentation practices and developing distinctive Indian cacao profiles for chocolate production.

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."

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 latest funding reflects increasing investor interest in premium, origin-led food brands that combine experiential retail with integrated sourcing models. Manam Chocolate's expansion highlights the growing consumer appetite for artisanal products, immersive food experiences, and brands built around traceability and craftsmanship. As the company expands its retail footprint, it is positioning itself to capitalise on the rising demand for premium chocolate experiences in India's urban markets.