An Austin chocolate brand known for adventurous flavor combinations is closing due to high ingredient prices. Madhu Chocolate announced its closure via email and on Instagram in March, setting a date of April 12 for a free goodbye party and April 30 for final sales.
"We wanted to create fun chocolates that rewarded our customers with interesting flavors, and respected the cacao our farmers' grew with great care," a text post says. "Last year, severe weather in Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire caused a massive shortage of available cacao. This skyrocketed prices, and more than doubled the cost of ingredients."
According to the post, both cacao and coca butter were affected by the price hikes. After months of searching for a workaround, the team decided to close.
The co-owners, husbands Harshit Gupta and Elliott Curelop, also explained the same information in a more personal and emotional video. They also thanked supporters for keeping the business going for seven years.
Even Austinites who haven't tried Madhu probably recognize the bars from their unique wrappers, often featuring Indian motifs and inviting colors. Some of the flavor combinations still available on the website are mango lassi white chocolate, saffron milk chocolate, rose pistachio, masala chai, cardamom, vanilla fennel, lemon coriander, and more. Madhu also has a masala chai blend and some hot cocoa mixes, but the latter are sold out.
Madhu was also easy to shop because it was available at various events and through partnerships; it partnered with Lick Honest Ice Creams, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Tinted Heritage, and more, and was stocked at Taste ATX, the airport souvenir store that made it easy to bring bars far and wide outside of Austin. Food & Wine named Madhu one of the finest chocolate shops and makers in the country in 2021.
The goodbye party will be held April 12 from noon to 4 pm at 7701 Metropolis Dr., Bldg. 12, Ste. 400. Antonelli's Cheese donated some goods to pair with Madhu's chocolate and chai. RSVP via Eventbrite.
