Terra – Artisanal Chocolate from the Heart of Nature
Our Philosophy
Regenerative farming
Rooted in nature's balance
Small artisanal batches
Handcrafted with care
Local communities & traditions
Inspired by the land
Sustainability & wellness
Nurturing people & planet
The Origin Story
Terra, from the Latin word for “earth,” is the world’s first earth-to-bar chocolate. We focus on nurturing the soil so it flourishes into healthy cacao trees, working a kind of alchemy to craft delicious bars of artisanal chocolate. Every bite tells the story of our lush organic farm-home to India’s oldest cacao tree-and the beautiful regenerative food forest, nestled amidst aromatic spices where our cacao pods are born. From this vibrant landscape to our delicate, handcrafted process, we create chocolate crafted to win hearts. Inspired by the flavors of the land and deeply engaged with local communities, our craft chocolates are made in small batches, embodying sustainable practices in every step. Each bar is a tribute to our community in Adyanadka, a border town between Karnataka and Kerala, and a gesture of giving back to our land and its people.
Terra was born in the humble abode of Varanashi Organic Farms, a 200-year-old regenerative farm, certified organic for 30 years in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Passionate about all things cacao, we set out in 2022 on a mission to create chocolate like none other, with tender loving care infused into every step, from cultivation and post-harvesting to chocolate making. Since then, extensive research has gone into each part of the process, from the trees to the final wrapped bar. Terra represents the passion of true nourishment, reverence for the land, and a tribute to its history. The people behind Terra are driven by this passion, and this is just the beginning of a new wave created by some of the brightest minds in the industry. Cacao, originally from the deep jungles of the Amazon forest, where cacao is the 7th layer crop and similates forest conditions and the on visiting the cacao forests of the Amazon, the curator discovered how the conditions at the farm are similar to the ones at the Amazon forest.
Flavours of Terra
With our approach, we aim to offer an exceptional chocolate experience, taking pride in the unique flavors our chocolate has to offer. Our goal is to spread awareness about sustainability, the health benefits of cacao as a superfood, and a journey of flavors that is authentic at its core. Through Terra, we aspire to connect chocolate enthusiasts to a world beyond flavors, fostering a deeper connection with nature and leaving them feeling truly nourished and supported. We also aim to raise awareness about regenerative farming practices among cacao farmers, helping them understand the benefits of specialty cacao for everyone, from farm workers to craft chocolate consumers.
Journey of the Terra Bar
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This chocolate bar embarks on a captivating journey, originating amidst the lush agro forests of Varanashi Organic Farms in south India. A regenerative farm passed down through vedic farming systems and modern soil biology science.
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Amidst the verdant foothills of the Western Ghats, cacao thrives alongside a symphony of coconut, arecanut, black pepper, nutmeg, jackfruit and banana trees, their canopy providing shelter to the precious cacao pods. Agroforest rich in macro and micro biome boasts a high level of soil micronutrient and longevity of plant and animal life around it.
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The tree-ripened cacao is then delicately fermented in wooden vessels in our facility, unfurling the innate flavours locked within each bean.
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Following seven days of fermentation, the cacao basks in the warm embrace of the sun during the summer and is placed in a polyhouse during the monsoon season.
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The aging and processing of dried beans occur at the Varanashi Agro Research Center, where the entire alchemic chocolate making process occurs.
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Our minimal processing approach reflects our commitment to preserving the natural bounty of our regenerative cacao. Lightly roasted, then delicately winnowed and conched in small artisanal batches for a full 24 hours, our cacao emerges transformed.
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Skilled local artisans hand-temper the chocolate liquor, and our chocolate bars receive an artisan touch as they are individually hand wrapped.
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Beyond a mere labour of passion and a celebration of sustainability and community, this chocolate bar is a decadent burst of flavours eagerly awaiting discovery by "you"!
Founder's Message
Partha Varanashi
Founder
Partha Varanashi is a 9th-generation farmer at Varanashi Organic Farm, a renowned source of some of India’s finest cacao, supplying the country’s top chocolatiers. A dedicated international swim coach and polyathlete, Partha’s commitment to health and fitness is woven into all aspects of his life. After collaborating and speaking with chocolatiers globally, he was inspired to showcase a gift from his homeland-crafting chocolate that reflects the sustainable practices and health benefits of organic, regenerative cacao. Driven by a passion for tradition, quality, and wellness, Partha brings a unique blend of heritage and innovation to every cacao pod nurtured on his family’s farm. Partha’s grandfather pioneered India’s first chocolate factory and played a pivotal role in founding CAMPCO, a cooperative that transformed the lives of countless farmers across South India. His vision not only brought chocolate-making to the country but also ensured fair livelihoods and empowerment for farming communities
Ketaki Churi
Co-Founder, Craft Chocolate Maker
Ketaki’s journey has been a passionate pursuit of authenticity, with cacao as her chosen path. Armed with a degree in culinary studies, she began her career working alongside pastry chefs, soon discovering that chocolate represents the pinnacle of indulgence-an experience that offers something unique for everyone. After several years with established chocolate brands, Ketaki set off on a transformative adventure at Varanashi Farms, where she had the rare opportunity to work with cacao from tree to bar, gaining an intimate understanding of every stage of the process. Her deep passion and extensive research led her to create Terra, a brand dedicated to offering a genuine craft chocolate experience that nourishes both body and soul. Ketaki is also the founder of India’s only craft chocolate festival, a platform celebrating the artistry, vitality, and sustainable future of chocolate-making and tasting.
Cacao Experience Offering
Cacao Trail
Farm Tour | Chocolate room Tour | Chocolate Tasting
Cost | INR 3000
Chocolate Tasting Sessions
Chocolate room Tour | Chocolate Tasting
Cost | INR 1500
Chocolate Making Workshop
2D / 1N
Farm Tour | Chocolate Making classes
Dormitory | INR 12,000 Simple Room | INR 13,600
Cottage | INR 22,000 Tree House | INR 25,000
[ Fee per person ]
[ Includes Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner and Workshop Fee ]
Tree to Bar Chocolate Making Workshop
5D
Farm Tour | Fermentation | Drying | Cacao analysis | Conching | Tempering
3 self made chocolate bar take away
[ Fee per person ]
[ Includes Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner and Workshop Fee ]