About the Fermentary

Anamalai Estates is located near Pollachi in Tamil Nadu, a region famous for its coconut production. Owners Harish Manoj and Karthi Palaniswamy cultivate cacao alongside coconut and nutmeg trees, creating a diverse agroforestry system that supports soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. Cows provide natural weed management and manure for composting.

Cacao at the Foot of the Western Ghats

Fermentary: Anamalai Estates

Region: Tamil Nadu

Beans: Criollo, Forastero

Notes: Guava • Peanut • Caramel

About the Region

While cacao is a relatively recent crop in India, commercial production began more than fifty years ago when Cadbury introduced cacao cultivation programs in southern India. Today, India remains a small but growing producer of fine cacao, with farms concentrated in tropical regions of the south.