Brands
Paul And Mike’s Gin & Ginger dark chocolate ranks top 10 globally
Mumbai: In a global recognition of Indian chocolate-making expertise, Paul And Mike, India’s foremost homegrown premium chocolate brand, has clinched two spots amongst top 25 chocolates in the world at the International Chocolate Awards World Finals held on 26 Nov 2023 at Florence, Italy. Paul And Mike’s Gin and Ginger dark chocolate was adjudged as the ninth-best chocolate by the jury, making it the first time an Indian brand has achieved a spot in top 10. Sichuan Pepper snd Orange Peel dark chocolate of the brand secured the 23rd spot.
Other award-winning chocolates of Paul And Mike were Mango IPA Beer, Rum and Rummy Raisins, and 87 per cent Dark Plain.
The scores achieved by the chocolates out of 100 were:
Gin and Ginger (92.1)
Sichuan Pepper and Orange Peel (91.1)
Mango IPA Beer (90.0)
Rum and Rummy Raisins (89.8)
87% Plain Dark (86.9)
Paul and Mike founder and CEO Vikas Temani expressed his elation, stating, “These awards are a validation of the systematic and focused work that was put in behind the scenes by our young and passionate team over the last 5 years.”
The notable aspect of this victory is not only the recognition at a global level but also that an Indian chocolate brand surpassed some of the most accomplished chocolate makers globally including Fu Wan (Taiwan), Friis Holm (Denmark), and Pacari (Ecuador). Temani credited this success to their rigorous, scientific approach to product development and never-ending quality improvement.
“Most new chocolate makers underestimate the complexity involved in making high-quality chocolates with high cocoa%, where sugar and milk cannot be used to mask the imperfections in cocoa. Our R&D team strives to be at the cutting-edge of cocoa and chocolate knowledge to be able to do this consistently” commented Temani.
Acknowledging the role of their customers and judges, Temani added, “We have always incorporated feedback from our customers and the judges of these awards, and it is this accumulation of numerous improvements over years which reflects in our quality today.”
As Paul And Mike bask in the glory of this triumph, Temani teased, “We have proven that world-class chocolates can be made right here in India. Stay tuned for many more updates from P&M as we are working behind the scenes on many exciting initiatives that would be unveiled soon.”
Paul And Mike’s outstanding performance at the International Chocolate Awards World Finals underscores their commitment to excellence, innovation, and the elevation of Indian chocolate at the global stage.
These award-winning chocolates can be bought at: www.paulandmike.co
Brands
Jubilant Foodworks to end Dunkin’ franchise in India
Pizza chain operator will not renew agreement when it expires at end of 2026.
MUMBAI: When the doughnuts stop turning and the coffee goes cold, even a global giant like Dunkin’ can find the Indian market a tough brew to crack. Jubilant Foodworks has decided not to renew its franchise agreement with Dunkin’ when the pact expires on 31 December 2026, according to a Reuters report. The operator, best known for running Domino’s outlets in India, said it would evaluate options for its existing Dunkin’ stores, including a potential sale or transfer of franchise rights, in consultation with the US-based brand.
The decision follows years of underperformance in a market where local tastes and intense competition have made it difficult for international coffee-and-doughnut formats to gain traction. Jubilant, which has increasingly focused on its core pizza business and newer bets like Popeyes, indicated that the exit would not materially affect its financial or operational position.
Dunkin’ accounted for just 0.61 per cent of Jubilant’s revenue in the fiscal year ending 2025 and recorded a loss of approximately Rs 191 million, according to a regulatory filing. The company operated 27 outlets as of December 2025, having shuttered seven stores over the preceding year.
The retreat comes even as Jubilant’s broader business shows signs of momentum. The company reported a 65 per cent rise in quarterly profit for the October to December period, reaching Rs 70.9 crore, up from Rs 42.91 crore a year earlier.
For Jubilant, the exit reflects a sharpening strategic focus. For Dunkin’, it marks another setback in a market that has proven resistant to imported café concepts without significant localisation.
In the cut-throat world of Indian quick-service restaurants, sometimes the sweetest deals are the ones you quietly walk away from leaving more room for the brands that truly rise to the occasion.
