India’s premium food and beverage segment continues to attract strong investor interest, and the latest D2C funding news comes from craft chocolate brand Manam Chocolate. In a significant development for D2C news India and the broader D2C ecosystem India, Hyderabad-based premium chocolate startup Manam Chocolate has raised $9 million (approximately ₹86 crore) in a Series A funding round led by Omnivore, with participation from the Turner Morrison consortium.
The funding marks a major milestone in the company’s growth journey and reflects increasing investor confidence in premium D2C food and beverage brands that combine product quality, supply chain control, sustainability, and experiential retail. The fresh capital will be used to accelerate retail expansion, strengthen brand presence, and launch new experiential retail destinations, particularly across the Delhi NCR region over the next 12 months.
Founded in 2021 by Chaitanya Muppala, Manam Chocolate has emerged as one of the most distinctive D2C brands India in the premium chocolate category. The company offers more than 300 products across 50 categories, including chocolate bars, beverages, desserts, gifting collections, confectionery products, and premium chocolate experiences. By focusing on origin-led storytelling, craftsmanship, and quality, the brand has created a differentiated position within India’s rapidly evolving premium food market.
Unlike many conventional chocolate brands, Manam Chocolate operates an integrated farm-to-consumer model. The company sources cacao directly from farmers in Andhra Pradesh and manages multiple stages of the value chain, including fermentation, chocolate production, product development, and retail experiences. This vertically integrated D2C business India model has helped the company maintain quality standards while creating greater value for farmers and consumers alike.
A key part of Manam Chocolate’s vision is establishing West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh as a globally recognized origin for fine-flavour cacao. To support this mission, the company has built a dedicated cacao fermentery in Tadikalapudi and currently works with more than 150 farmers cultivating cacao across nearly 3,000 acres. This focus on supply chain innovation and sustainable sourcing reflects broader D2C market trends 2025, where consumers increasingly value transparency, traceability, and authentic brand stories.
The company follows a strong omnichannel D2C strategy, selling through its direct-to-consumer website, physical retail stores, online marketplaces, and quick commerce platforms. This diversified distribution model enables the brand to reach premium consumers across multiple touchpoints while strengthening customer engagement and retention.
Experiential retail remains a major growth driver for the company. In 2023, Manam Chocolate launched its flagship experiential destination, Manam Chocolate Karkhana, in Hyderabad, offering consumers an immersive chocolate discovery experience. This was followed by the launch of a beverage-focused concept in 2025 and a flagship retail store in Saket, New Delhi, in June 2026. The new funding will support further expansion of these experience-led retail formats.
The investment also comes amid rising momentum across D2C funding rounds and increasing investor appetite for premium D2C brands India. As Indian consumers continue to embrace premiumisation, craft food products, cleaner ingredients, and differentiated experiences, brands like Manam Chocolate are benefiting from evolving D2C consumer behavior India. Industry estimates suggest India’s premium chocolate market could reach approximately $639.7 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.4% between 2026 and 2033.
The broader D2C industry news landscape continues to remain highly active, with investors backing brands that demonstrate strong category leadership, unique positioning, and scalable business models. From D2C wellness startups and premium D2C brands India to fast-growing food businesses, funding activity continues to accelerate across sectors.
With fresh capital, a vertically integrated supply chain, expanding retail presence, strong farmer partnerships, and a growing portfolio of premium offerings, Manam Chocolate is well-positioned to become one of the fastest-growing D2C food and beverage brands in India. As the company scales its retail footprint and strengthens its omnichannel presence, it continues to showcase how premium Indian brands can successfully compete in both domestic and global markets while building sustainable long-term value.
