A Bengaluru-based premium chocolate brand, Smoor Chocolates, is drawing attention for its rapid growth in India’s gourmet confectionery market and its strong Australian connection, with founder Vimal Sharma crediting his years in Melbourne for shaping the brand’s philosophy.
Michelle Wade, Commissioner – South Asia at Global Victoria, recently highlighted Sharma’s Melbourne background, describing the close ties between Smoor’s success in India and his earlier professional experience in Australia.
Reflecting on his journey in a LinkedIn post, Sharma said his time in Melbourne played a defining role in shaping his understanding of food, hospitality and quality standards.
He noted that working in restaurants across Australia taught him discipline, consistency and attention to detail — lessons that later became central to building his own brand.
While the restaurant industry gave him valuable experience, Sharma said it also inspired him to create something more lasting and distinctive.
During visits to India, he identified a gap in the market for premium chocolates, which were largely positioned either as mass-market products or aimed mainly at children.
According to Sharma, Bengaluru emerged as the perfect launchpad due to its evolving consumer culture and openness to new concepts in food and lifestyle.
Today, Smoor Chocolates has grown into a handcrafted couverture chocolate brand offering more than 100 products, including pralines, dragees, cookies and signature chocolate bars made by internationally trained chocolatiers.
The company sources premium cacao from countries such as Ghana, Madagascar, Ecuador, and São Tomé & Príncipe, focusing on high-quality ingredients and artisanal production.
From initially operating six outlets, the brand has expanded into multiple stores featuring signature chocolate studios and café-style experiences designed to transform chocolate into a lifestyle experience.
Sharma said Melbourne’s influence continues to shape the identity and values of the company.
Smoor has also invested heavily in design-focused branding, award-winning packaging and technology-driven supply chain systems to strengthen its position in India’s rapidly growing premium dessert sector.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand into related categories including ice creams, beverages and baked products, with the goal of evolving into a broader indulgence and gourmet lifestyle brand.