Cacao farming is commonly associated with West Africa, Central and South America, and parts of Southeast Asia. These tropical climates create ideal conditions for Theobroma cacao trees to thrive. However, India, a lesser-known but emerging cacao cultivation location, has the right environment but has historically had little involvement in the global cocoa supply chain.
The story is beginning to change, and India’s cacao potential is coming into focus.
A Suitable Climate That Was Overlooked
India’s southern states, such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, provide a climate that’s similar to other cacao-growing nations. These regions receive plenty of rain, have warm temperatures all year, and have a humid climate—all of which are necessary for growing healthy cacao trees.
Despite this, cacao has never been grown extensively in India. The focus has long been on traditional crops like rice, coconut, spices, and tea. However, with shifts in market demand and the search for alternative cash crops, cacao is starting to earn attention.
Cadbury’s Influence on Indian Cacao Farming
A recent conversation with our Santa Barbara Chocolate partner based in Malaysia brought this development into focus. He said that Cadbury, a division of Mondelez International and one of the most famous chocolate companies in the world, is investing wisely in India to grow cacao farming.
Cadbury is working with local coconut farmers, aiming to integrate cacao trees into their existing plantations. The company’s goal is to motivate at least 20% of India’s coconut farmers to begin cultivating cacao alongside their primary crops.
If this plan materializes, projections suggest India could produce as much as 150,000 metric tons of cacao beans annually. This output would represent approximately 3% of the global supply—a significant contribution for a country where cacao has played a very minor role up to now.
Intercropping: Cacao and Coconut on the Same Land
One of the promising aspects of this plan is the compatibility between coconut and cacao trees in intercropping systems. Cacao trees thrive in partial shade, and tall coconut trees naturally provide it.
This symbiotic relationship allows farmers to make the best use of their land while diversifying their income sources. As global chocolate demand rises, particularly in developing markets like India, local cacao production may provide more economic stability to small-scale farming communities.
Potential for Flavor Development and Specialty Markets
India's diverse soil types and regional climates may enable the production of cacao beans with distinct flavor profiles. Similar to how Indian single-origin teas are well-known around the world, there is a growing interest in cacao from specific regions that reflect their terroir.
Chocolate makers and bean-to-bar makers are always looking for high-quality cacao that can be traced. If India improves its farming methods and spends money on things like fermentation and drying after the harvest, Indian cacao could become a unique ingredient that could lead to new opportunities in making gourmet and artisan chocolate.
At Santa Barbara Chocolate, we source cacao ethically worldwide. We monitor new origins like India for quality and sustainable sourcing opportunities.
Challenges That May Affect Growth
While the opportunity is promising, cacao farming in India still faces several hurdles. For one, training and infrastructure are essential. The post-harvest phase is crucial to the final chocolate's quality, so farmers used to other crops will require assistance and resources to manage cacao well.
Additionally, pest management, disease control, and sustainable farming techniques need to be adapted to local ecosystems. The organizations and businesses that are investing in this sector are obligated to provide the appropriate guidance and incentives in order to guarantee that the cultivation of cacao is both profitable and environmentally responsible.
Chocolate Consumption Trends in India
India is also a growing market for chocolate. Rising incomes, shifting food preferences, and an increased interest in gourmet and health-conscious food products are all driving demand. The country's young population prefers chocolate products, including those with dark chocolate or low sugar content.
If cacao production increases within India, there may be an opportunity to supply both domestic and international markets. This could shorten the supply chain, reduce transport costs, and improve overall freshness for chocolate manufacturers operating within India.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Industry
More than merely a change in agriculture, India's foray into cacao production represents a diversification of the world's chocolate supply chain. As areas like West Africa face growing environmental and economic constraints, having alternative sources of high-quality cocoa is essential for long-term stability.
For companies like Cadbury, investing in Indian cacao farming offers a strategic advantage. For smaller and artisan chocolate brands, it may eventually provide new flavor options and sourcing partners. And for farmers, it opens up new possibilities to generate consistent income while using sustainable land management practices.
As cacao trees proliferate throughout India's tropical regions, it's fascinating to see how this expansion impacts local economies and chocolate production globally. India may soon be contributing significantly to the complex and delectable world of chocolate from a once-overlooked crop.