India, a place of endless exploration and profound complexity, defies simple generalizations due to its immense size and the sheer scale of its diversity. Spanning from the towering peaks of the Himalayas in the north to the tropical shores of the Indian Ocean in the south, India's geography includes deserts, forests, mountains, and fertile plains. With over 1.4 billion people, it is the world's most populous country, characterized by a multitude of languages, religions, and cultures. India's history dates back thousands of years, marked by the rise and fall of numerous empires. This long history has fostered a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, evident in its diverse cuisine, arts, and festivals. India’s economic landscape is equally varied, encompassing traditional agriculture and cutting-edge technology industries. Cacao was introduced to the country by Cadbury in 1965 and is sometimes referred to colloquially as ‘the Cadbury tree’. Most cacao is Forastero and is sold to European giants like Cadbury and Nestlé. Trees only grow in the southern states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka and are typically interplanted with crops such as areca nut, banana, and coconut. In 2008, India produced approximately 8,500 metric tonnes of cacao, which represents about 1% of global production.
There's a whole world to explore
Discover the world’s diverse cocoa growing regions – from sun-drenched islands to tropical rainforests to lush mountainsides.