When Akhil Gandhi and Prathina Gandhi began brainstorming names for their chocolate brand back in 2019, one word kept coming up – fiction. “We wanted to tell stories with the chocolate we were making” Akhil shared with Ascendants. It was more than a product, it was a narrative. Eventually, they settled on Bon Fiction, a name that was not only easy to remember but also captured the warmth and charm of their vision.

Chocolate That Stirs Emotion

The husband wife duo set out to create chocolates that do more than just melt in your mouth. Their bars are designed to evoke nostalgia, warmth and a sense of comfort creating a storytelling experience wrapped in foil.

The Flavour Philosophy

With Bon Fiction, the founders have always followed a simple yet powerful philosophy, to craft chocolates they themselves would return to the store for. As Akhil Gandhi puts it, the secret to their success lies in striking the perfect balance of flavour. They did not want to make something overly sweet that leaves you feeling like you’ve just eaten a spoonful of sugar, they wanted a chocolate that delivers a burst of flavour, one that grows on you with every bite.

This careful calibration is what sets Bon Fiction apart. Instead of overwhelming the palate, their chocolates unfold layers of taste, offering a richer, more refined experience. It’s this thoughtfulness  that has helped Bon Fiction carve its place in the hearts and taste buds of chocolate lovers across India.

From Bitterness to Brilliance

 Their journey started in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, where the duo experimented with beans, roasting levels, and flavour combinations. Their first attempt was a 70% dark chocolate bar made with just cocoa nibs and cane sugar which was far from perfect. It was bitter and over-roasted but it became the foundation on which they built their award winning recipes.

While many brands strive to engage with local farmers, Bon Fiction takes this commitment a step further by being consistently present on the ground. Bon Fiction is deeply and physically involved at every stage of the journey. This commitment led to the development of their tree to bar model – a transparent, hands on approach where the founders work directly with growers on the ground. Recognising that it’s often financially difficult for small scale farmers to invest in advanced tools or infrastructure, Bon Fiction stepped in not just as a buyer, but as a partner in growth.

They have built an integrated, efficient ecosystem where all essential elements are aggregated for the farmers. By eliminating middlemen and streamlining the value chain, Bon Fiction ensures that growers benefit fairly while maintaining high quality and consistency in every bar. The result is not just premium craft chocolate, but a product infused with true homegrown warmth and empowerment.

Global Bites, Local Roots

Bon Fiction has gone on to craft over 12 flavours, ranging from Spicy Chipotle to Tangy Orange Peel and Sea Salt. Their innovation and quality have earned them accolades, including awards at the International Chocolate Awards and the Academy of Chocolate, London – putting Indian bean to bar chocolate on the global map.

As of 2024, the company has sold over 2 lakh bars across India and abroad. Bon Fiction’s D2C website sees more than 30,000 monthly visitors and the brand has partnered with select gourmet retailers in Dubai, Singapore and Germany, reflecting its expanding global footprint.

Bon Fiction’s chocolates are now available in over 150 outlets across India, including niche organic stores, cafes and curated gift stores. They also offer thoughtfully designed gift boxes for festive seasons, weddings and corporate events, further solidifying their place in the premium gifting segment.

Building as a Couple

Running a business as a couple comes with its unique set of challenges, but for Akhil and Prathina Gandhi, it’s all about balance and mutual support. “We cover each other’s deficiencies and there’s a natural understanding between us” Akhil Gandhi shares. While working together means they often face the same pressures at the same time, the strength of their partnership helps them navigate those hurdles with empathy. “At the end of the day, the pros outweigh the cons”.

The Future Is Flavourful

Looking ahead, Akhil and Prathina Gandhi are focused on deepening the chocolate experience for their customers, especially those who truly want to explore the richness of flavour beyond just sweetness. Staying true to their founding philosophy, they’re committed to creating products they themselves would be excited to buy.

As part of this vision, Bon Fiction is set to launch its first flagship experience store by 2026. This space won’t just be about buying chocolate, it will be a journey where visitors can taste, learn and connect with the story behind every bar. From bean to bar, the Gandhis aim to make chocolate personal, immersive, and unforgettable.

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