Tamil Nadu is one of the five main cacao-growing regions of southern India, as well as one of the most dynamic. Despite being notorious for elephants, delightfully spiced dishes, and high quality coconut cultivation, cocoa production has been on the climb here ever since it came to the area in the early 2000's. Most farmers are still selling into the low-earning commodity market, but there are some who have developed a careful post-harvest process and started selling into the fine flavor market.

This brand is known by many names, among them are Anamalai Hills, Pollachi, and Regal Plantations, all of which refer to the same family-run farm in southern India: Regal Farms. The land is spread over a few parcels in the area, all operated under the same organic & sustainable principles which make it so remarkable. Regal Farms’ owner and operator, Harish Manoj Kumar, has been growing cacao on the land since the crop came to the region in the early 2000’s. Several years ago, he & his brother-in-law decided to begin selling their beans under a premium label, taking steps to completely eliminate their reliance upon chemicals. In the years since, they’ve begun exporting their premium cacao to dozens of countries, beloved for its naturally sweet and nutty flavor.