Which City Is Known As The Chocolate Town Of India?

Chocolate is a treat loved by people of all ages. It is made from cacao beans, which grow on trees in tropical climates. To make chocolate, these beans are fermented, dried, and roasted to bring out their rich flavour. 

When it comes to the global stage, Luxembourg is known as the largest consumer of chocolate per person. Meanwhile, the West African nation of the Ivory Coast is the world’s largest producer of cocoa beans.

But did you know that right here in our country, one specific hill station is called the chocolate city or chocolate town of India? In this article, we'll take a look at the history, the sweet aroma, and the handmade treats of this famous hill station.

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Which Hill Station is known as the Chocolate Town of India?

Ooty is a beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, known as the Chocolate Town of India. Also called Udhagamandalam, this 'Queen of Hill Stations' became famous for chocolate treats thanks to its cool climate, which helps keep chocolate fresh and glossy. The tradition started in the British era and grew as local cottage industries developed. Today, Ooty is well known for its handmade chocolates, from dark and milk varieties to those with local roasted nuts.

5 Lesser-known Facts About Ooty

• Ooty was originally the summer capital of the Madras Presidency, and its modern development began in 1819 after John Sullivan, a British collector, visited the hills.
• The Nilgiri Mountains are part of the Western Ghats, which are older than the Himalayan mountains, dating back over 150 million years.
• It is home to the Kurinji flower, which botanically blooms only once every 12 years, turning the hillsides a vibrant blue-purple.
• The tea grown here has a higher concentration of polyphenols than low-altitude tea due to the intense UV exposure and cooler mountain air.
• The surrounding forests are dominated by Eucalyptus trees, which release cineole, a natural compound known to improve respiratory health and clear air passages.

Why is Ooty called the Chocolate Capital of India?

Source: Benchmark Ooty

Ooty is known for its long tradition of making handmade chocolates. The town’s cool climate, usually between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, helps keep the cocoa butter from melting too fast, making it ideal for chocolate making. Today, more than 100 small cottage industries in Ooty make fresh chocolates without preservatives.

Which Country is the Largest Producer of Chocolate in the World?

Although many people associate chocolate with Europe, the Ivory Coast in West Africa is actually the world’s largest producer of cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate. In 2025-2026, the country produced more than 2.2 million tonnes of cocoa, making up about 40% of the world’s supply.

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Which Country is the Largest Consumer in the World?

Luxembourg is the largest consumer of chocolate, with each person eating more than in any other country. People there consume about 10 kg (22 lbs) of chocolate each year, or about 27 g a day.

Which State is the Largest Producer of Cocoa in India?

Andhra Pradesh leads cocoa production in India. The state accounts for more than 40% of the country's cocoa, producing about 12,000 to 13,000 metric tonnes each year. Kerala is the next biggest producer.

Which State is the Largest Consumer of Chocolate in India?

North India, especially the Delhi-NCR region, is the biggest chocolate market in India, with a 38% share expected in 2026. This strong demand comes from a popular gifting culture during festivals like Diwali and Raksha Bandhan.

Which Country is the Largest Exporter of Chocolates?

As of 2026, Germany leads the world in chocolate exports, shipping about $5.6 billion each year and accounting for nearly 17% of the global market. This strong position comes from its large manufacturing base, with more than 200 factories, including major companies like Ferrero and Mars.

Which is the Most Expensive Chocolate in the World?

As of 2026, the Fabelle Trinity-Truffles Extraordinaire holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive chocolate. Created by the Indian luxury brand Fabelle (ITC), a single kilogram costs approximately $5,200 (₹4.3 lakh).

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