TANTEA shows interest in tea-flavoured chocolates for Ooty tourists

“Tourists never miss out a chance to treat themselves to homemade chocolates and to sip a hot piping tea during their visit to Ooty. It was this popular attraction that inspired me to blend them both to bring out a unique product that will be liked by all. Thus the green tea chocolate was born,” said John Cyril Henry from Kotagiri.

Does the chocolate taste like tea? Close enough, says John adding, “Every bite gives you the fragrance of tea aftertaste. It will be soft milk chocolate with a powerful hit of spices. The chocolates are entirely organic and flavoured with only processed tea leaves.”

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has certified the chocolates to be safe for consumption. Cyril is elated over getting a positive feedback from people introduced to the taste of the new chocolate. “Everyone liked it and ordered for more,” he said.

The Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited (TANTEA) and the Nilgiris District Administration have evinced interest in supporting the manufacturing and marketing of the chocolates on a larger scale.

“Collector Innocent Divya has also assured to lend a helping hand in getting loans through the Centre’s Start-up India schemes. Once the production is commenced on a larger scale, I would go for a patent by January next year,” he said.

The plan to make ‘chaya’ chocolates emerged after John tried his hand at various other new items. “Tea wine was one such successful product. It was made by fermenting tea leaves. But tea wine production isn’t viable as it requires huge investments to manufacture on a larger scale. Also getting a licence for its production isn’t easy as it is an alcoholic product,” he said.

“I tried many products mainly with tea leaves as ingredient as it is present in abundance in the hills. Also, tea cultivation, which has become non-remunerative due to labour shortage and other issues, has taken a toll on the farmers. So I thought of coming out with by-products of tea tofurther boost the local economy,” he said.