Snapshots
At the recent International Chocolate Awards 2024, the celebrated Indian chocolate brand, Paul And Mike won the first-ever gold for their Milk Chocolate Coated Salted Capers. The chocolate awards are held by the International Institute Of Chocolate And Cacao Tasting, every year since 2012, and have multiple categories. In the 2024 edition, Paul And Mike won the gold in the category of milk chocolates. This is the first-ever win for an Indian chocolate brand, and given that it is an artisanal brand focused much on blending quality products with sustainable practices, the victory tastes even sweeter.
Vikas Temani, Head of Business at Paul and Mike stated, “Winning Gold at the International Chocolate Awards is a dream come true for us. It’s a powerful affirmation of our dedication to making chocolates that not only represent the best of India’s ingredients but also push the boundaries of what’s possible in chocolate-making. This recognition places Indian chocolate firmly on the global map, and we couldn’t be more grateful to our partners and supporters who helped make this moment possible.”
The winning product by the Indian chocolate brand, the Milk Chocolate Coated Salted Capers is quite an interesting take on the traditional idea of chocolate and has been one of their most talked about products. Capers are a Mediterranean ingredient that is quite similar to ‘ker’ in India. Imagine an olive but a bit more lemony and spicier with notes of mustard and pepper. Paul And Mike source their capers from Ishka Farms in Tuticorin where they are harvested during the dry season and then salted. These capers, which are graded by their size, the smaller the better, are then sent to Paul And Mike where the chocolatiers coat them in milk chocolate that comes from the Western Ghats.
The recipe that Ishka Farms uses for these salted capers in an exclusive one, making sure that the ones that get to Paul And Mike are just the perfect blend of the salty and tangy. Add to it the lush chocolate, and you have an award-winning product in your hand. This international chocolate award winner product is a labour of love that was developed and perfected over 3 years.
This isn’t the Indian chocolatier’s first rodeo at the International Chocolate Awards, however. Prior to this, in 2023, Paul And Mike’s Gin And Ginger was ranked 2nd in the ‘Dark chocolate with inclusions’ category and also made it to the Top 10 chocolates in the world. The chocolate brand’s other outings like Sichuan Pepper & Orange Peel, Mango IPA Beer, and Rum & Rummy Raisins won Silver in a variety of categories, while 87% Dark Plain scored a bronze.
Paul And Mike chocolates to try
If you haven’t tried the speciality chocolates from this celebrated Indian chocolatier, here are our top picks:
- 57% Vegan Milk Masala Chai: We love chai, you love chai, and the world loves chai! Quite literally too, as this chocolate bar won Gold at the International Chocolate Awards- APAC competition, 2023 held in Hong Kong. An ode to one of the most iconic things in India, this is one of their must-haves.
- 64% Dark Chocolate Whisky and Butterscotch: Perfect for winter evenings, this one from the Indian chocolatier is a must-have. With buttery cashew nuts coated in butterscotch, balanced by the robust whisky flavour, this is also a great gifting option for this festive season.
- Brunost Cheese Milk Chocolate: This is one of the most exciting products that this chocolate brand has. Made in collaboration with Eleftheria’s award-winning Norwegian-style Brunost cheese, this chocolate is perfect for people who love experimenting. With the smooth milk chocolate, and bit of a caramel-salty taste from the cheese, this is a must-try.