4 June 2008 – Media report that Cadbury India, a subsidiary of the world's biggest confectionery company, is to collaborate with the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in a five-year research project aimed at promoting cocoa cultivation in the Indian region.
The project, which will be led by the TNAU, will focus on the development of high-yielding, pest- and disease- tolerant cocoa varieties suitable for cultivation in the Southern Indian state.
India’s cocoa requirements are growing 15% every year. The bean is mainly used in the confectionery, beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
Cadbury India currently commends a 71% share of the Indian chocolate market.