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In the video, Terenzi highlights what she calls the “sad and sad reality” of Indian chocolate.
The video received great attention among chocolate lovers on the Internet. Image source: Instagram (Instagram)
Professional chocolate blogger Sharon Terenzi’s social media post about Indians and their preference for foreign-made chocolate has sparked a heated debate among chocolate lovers.
In an Instagram video, the blogger, connoisseur, writer and consultant highlighted what she called the “sad and sad reality” of Indian chocolate, and asked: In a country where cocoa thrives under a sunny canopy, why do Indian chocolate lovers continue to prefer foreign bars?
“India is one of the very few countries in the world that can make its own chocolate from scratch using cocoa that grows directly in the country, especially in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. For this reason, there are many crop-to-bar chocolate makers who are also cocoa farmers and agronomists, producing exceptionally high quality chocolate that is internationally recognized and awarded,” she said in the video.
Moreover, it claimed that most Indians continue to reach out to foreign brands. Terenzi said: “The most popular chocolate brands in India are not the ones made in India. It’s Cadbury, it’s Nestlé, it’s Godiva, it’s Ferrero. Indians consume more foreign chocolate that is mass-produced, unethical and low-quality than the wonderful chocolate made in their own country. Isn’t that ridiculous?”
A chocolate renaissance is happening in India
Terenzi believes the tide is finally turning. She points to the upcoming Indian Craft & Cacao Chocolate Festival, scheduled to be held from December 5 to 7 in Bengaluru, as a big push towards celebrating local craftsmanship. “It brings together the best local brands for you to taste, enjoy, talk to and learn from for three consecutive days,” she said, calling it a perfect opportunity for Indian chocolate lovers to discover that “local chocolate is much better than the inferior foreign chocolate they have always glorified.”
In her commentary, she noted that specialty cocoa varieties have been grown, fermentation systems have been improved, and a thriving community of aspiring and discerning chocolatiers has emerged across the country. “The conversation about artisanal Indian chocolate is spreading across the world,” she wrote, adding that the festival aims to highlight this transformation.
Exhibiting brands at the event include Manam Chocolates, Pascati Artisan Chocolates, Bon Fiction, Subco Cacao, Mason & Co, Bull & Mike and Darkens Chocolates.
“Imagine tasting the best chocolate in the country, gathered in one room, attending more than ten interactive workshops, supporting local cocoa farmers and chocolate artisans, and enjoying three days of pure fun,” concluded Terenzi.
Netizens weigh in
The video sparked strong reactions online. Many users pointed out the price gap between mass market chocolate and handcrafted chocolate. “It’s not ridiculous at all because mass produced brands are cheaper,” one user commented.
This sentiment was echoed by others, with another saying: “Mason & Co makes excellent chocolate, but at Rs 300-400 for a 200g bar, even those who can afford it won’t buy much.”
Some viewers welcomed the shift towards local artisan chocolate. “India is definitely ready to make these changes! See you at the festival,” wrote one enthusiastic commenter. Another admitted: “Guilty, I’ve been on Lindt 85 for seven years… I’d love to switch to premium Indian dark chocolate!”
However, some remained skeptical, citing climate constraints. “India’s climate is not ideal for growing high-quality cocoa,” one user said, comparing cocoa to fine cheese, which also requires specific conditions to reach world-class quality.
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers Indian and international news. He is interested in India’s day-to-day political affairs and geopolitics. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism (with honors) from the University of Ben… Read more
19 November 2025 at 6:07 PM IST
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