Vadodara/Surat: India’s appetite for chocolate is growing beyond festivals, with younger consumers and rising demand for premium products prompting manufacturers to expand capacity.Industry projections reflect the shift. India’s chocolate market is expected to grow from $2.48 billion in 2025 to $3.58 billion by 2030, driven by Gen Z consumers, premium offerings and the growing preference for convenient, on-the-go snacks. Convenience stores account for nearly 69% of chocolate sales, while Gen Z contributes about 43% of overall consumer spending.Sensing the opportunity, home-grown dairy giant Amul has doubled its chocolate manufacturing capacity over the past year and is planning another 25% expansion at its Mogar plant near Anand after recording 100% year-on-year sales growth this quarter.“We had doubled our chocolate manufacturing capacity last year. Our sales growth this quarter is 100% over the previous year, showing the huge trust consumers have placed in the Amul brand,” said Jayen Mehta, managing director of Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF).Amul, which leads India’s dark chocolate segment, said its sugar-free dark chocolate now contributes nearly 10% of total chocolate sales. The cooperative is also preparing to launch a high-protein chocolate wafer bar as it expands its nutrition-focused snacking portfolio.The recent stabilisation of cocoa prices, after two years of sharp increases, has further encouraged manufacturers to accelerate expansion plans.“Cocoa prices have been stable for the last four to five months,” Mehta said, adding that the cooperative will undertake another round of capacity expansion this year.Amul Dairy managing director Amit Vyas said the chocolate business has grown rapidly since the chocolate plant at Tribhuvandas Food Complex in Mogar was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.After the plant’s capacity was increased five-fold, it reached full utilisation within two years, prompting Amul to double capacity again to 24,000 metric tonnes annually.The expansion push extends beyond cooperatives. Surat-based Schmitten Luxury Chocolates is adding another 300 tonnes a month to its existing capacity of 600 tonnes.“We are witnessing healthy growth across our portfolio as chocolates become an everyday indulgence rather than an occasional treat. Younger consumers are driving demand for innovative flavours, convenient formats and premium chocolate experiences,” said Jayesh Desai, chairman, Schmitten Luxury Chocolates.“The continued investments across the chocolate industry reflect the category’s long-term potential in India. Rising premiumisation, wider retail reach and increasing consumption among younger consumers are creating significant opportunities for sustained growth,” he added.
