In case you believe that Gujarat is all about dhoklas and diamonds, you are wrong. Another taste that is emerging into the state is the homegrown taste of indulgent chocolate. This is not about getting sweet cravings; it is about creating brands, creating some strong business stories, and making young companies come up.
Such delicious ventures are backed by compelling entrepreneurship stories in India. Those who left their corporate career, pursued passion in nutrition, or went back to something that they had always dreamed of doing. The founders presented here did not merely manufacture chocolates but they have developed dreams that one could taste.
So we unravel a package of the top 10 trending entrepreneurs in Gujarat making the chocolate world strikingly Indian. This blog is your taste of inspiration and perhaps the first step toward your journey to a startup.
Celebrating World Chocolate Day: Unwrapping stories, not just chocolate
Every year on July 7, the world celebrates something universally loved—chocolate. But this World Chocolate Day, let’s honour the people behind those magical bites. Because behind every silky truffle or dark chocolate bar is someone’s entrepreneurial journey. Someone who dared to turn a kitchen experiment into a booming business. Someone who swapped 9-to-5s for 3 a.m. cocoa brainstorms.
1. Schmitten & Hoppits
In the city of Surat is the brand behind the revolutionization of India’s chocolate market—Schmitten Chocolates and its brand identity Hoppits. Envisioned by Rajhans Group thought leader and entrepreneur Jayesh Desai. Schmitten was launched with the big mission of introducing luxury Swiss chocolate to Indian supermarkets.
What makes the tale so emotionally strong is the idea behind it: to offer world-class chocolates to Indian customers without having to import them. Schmitten today is no longer only a brand; it is the epitome of Gujarat’s growth of entrepreneurship. It is also a testament to the best businesses originating from the most personal passions.
2. Chocoexotica
Started as early as 2010 by Drs Chintan and Mayuri Shah. Chocoexotica began as a quest for affordable fine chocolates. Their zeal prompted them to set up a 20,000 sq. ft. automated plant producing 30,000 kg of chocolates in a month. Their offerings are flavoured chocolates, chocolate-covered dry fruits, and customized chocolate bouquets for personal and corporate orders. Such an entrepreneurial tale is an image of young businesses flourishing in Tier-2 cities and shows us that we need not possess a big office but a daring heart to become an entrepreneur.
3. Cacaoté
Inspired by Belgian chocolate culture, 22-year-old Vraj Patel and his mother Rita opened Cacaoté, a 15,000 sq. ft. chocolate store in Ahmedabad. Their chocolates blend international styles and Indian flavors and contain more than 60 flavours like chai masala and gulkand chocolates. The chocolate shop itself is an experience for your senses and is designed to be both old-school and indulgent.
4. Cocoa Drama
Going on from interior designing to baking, Khushali Solanki initiated Cocoa Drama as a home-based setup. Her focused approach made her establish a popular dessert cafe in Vastrapur with items such as brownies, doughnuts, and cupcakes for sale. Rewarded with Times Awards in 2019 and 2022, it is an ideal example of passionate entrepreneurial spirit. Cocoa Drama is an emotional journey of running a business from zero level.
5. CocoHigh
Established in 2018, CocoHigh introduced India’s first premium chocolate drink. Their innovative approach earned them accolades like “The Most Innovative Product of India.” Expanding their product line, they now offer flavored milk, iced coffees, and are venturing into international markets, including Saudi Arabia.
6. Choco Nutri
Choco Nutri, established in 2012 in Rajkot, Gujarat, has carved a niche in India’s confectionery landscape. Under the leadership of Mr. Nimish Pansuriya, the brand has grown into a prominent manufacturer of a diverse range of chocolate products, including choco chips, chocolate spreads, dips, and bars. Their premium segment, CHOCOTOWN, is renowned for delivering high-quality chocolates that cater to the Indian palate. Operating from a robust infrastructure in Rajkot’s Vavdi Industrial Area, Choco Nutri emphasizes quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring their products meet stringent standards. Their journey from a local enterprise to a nationally recognized brand exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship in Gujarat, showcasing how dedication and innovation can lead to sweet success.
7. Chocozay by MR Nutriments LLP
Chocozay is a family-owned chocolate manufacturing company based in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Established in 2017, the company was founded by Mr. Mohammed Merchant and Mrs. Shaheen Merchant, with their son Mr. Raheel Merchant serving as the Director. Chocozay offers a diverse range of chocolate products, including truffles, bites, squares, wafer rolls, bars, and gifting options, all produced in their state-of-the-art facility located in the Mamsa area of Bhavnagar. The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its use of superior ingredients and adherence to world-class food manufacturing practices. Initially focusing on exports, particularly to the UAE, Chocozay has successfully expanded its presence in the domestic market, reflecting the growth of entrepreneurship and business in Gujarat.
Conclusion
These entrepreneurship stories from Gujarat showcase the evolution of indomitable spirit, ambition, and tenacity. They mark the growth of entrepreneurship in tier-two towns, the undaunted spirit of an entrepreneur battling the odds, and the emergence of young enterprises changing the palate of India.
This list will resonate with you, whether you are someone hopeful about setting up your venture. Someone curious about 10 things to know before starting a business, or a chocolate aficionado. Read on to serve it as a delicious dose of inspiration.
The next time you indulge in a handcrafted praline, remember that you are indulging in a crafted story. And perhaps one day, yours will be on this list.
Keep visiting Gujpreneur for more such inspiring insights and enjoy this World Chocolate Day with a cocoa treat!
