A CHOCOLATE WHICH VANISHED


A Chocolate Which  Vanished

In the early 1950’s toffees of the sugar boiled type only was generally available in the market, and all of us were happy with them. Imported Chocolate bars were also there, but only in the upper end of the market.

Those who were in the school going age in that period may remember a happy happening of the time. It was a delicious chocolate bar which became available in the market.

An Indian Company - Sathe Biscuit & Chocolate launched these chocolate bars. They started  business in 1949 and their chocolate bar and Drinking chocolate powder (for mixing in milk) was in the market in a couple of years. They can rightly be called the pioneers of chocolate business in India. Their several varieties of chocolate bar in the 1950’s were available for only Rs 1.00 to Rs 3.00. Their demand and production must have been good as they were available in general stores even in small towns of India.

                                         Image result for sathe chocolates
General merchants at the time sold confectionery, stationery, gift items, toiletries, hosiery and a lot more. Pansari sold only grains, masale,  edible oil and the like. It was in the late 1970’s or so that Pansaries saw a business opportunity and started keeping most of the items of the general store such as toiletries etc, as a one stop shop for customers, thus wiping out general merchants.

                                                             Image result for sathe chocolates                                      
  
Cadbury started importing chocolates from Britain at the time and could start production in India much later in the 1960’s, Upon Cadbury entering the Indian market, Sathe sadly suffered setbacks and gradually vanished from the market.

                                                 Image result for sathe chocolates
Nestle entered the Indian market much later in 1990.

Sathe Biscuit & Chocolate Company is now 80 years old. It still exists from where it started in Pune, but with limited production, accumulated losses and infighting to gain control of the company and its 30 acres of land.

The now generation may not even have heard the name, but for the 1940’s to 1950’s generation it is fondly remembered.

Comments

  1. Manju15 October 2019 at 01:01

    Yes, I remember. Eating Sathe chocolate was an "ummmm" feeling at that time. So many types of chocolates are available now in the market...but in our times Sathe was the most tasty chocolate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indra Mani Lal15 October 2019 at 17:17

      Yes, Sathe was available in Gorakhpur in 1950's, and it was so Yummy.

      Delete
  2. Unknown16 November 2019 at 21:39

    Yes, I twice visited the Factory when I was in School. I still remember the chocolate piece was given to me . If the Products are available would like to buy and taste again .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indra Mani Lal12 June 2020 at 10:26

      Good to know you had the opportunity to visit the factory. I believe it is available in Pune only.

      Delete
  3. Tri Cous26 July 2020 at 23:35

    It’s really great information for becoming a better Blogger. Keep sharing, Thanks. For more details to visit chocolate manufacturers in nagpur

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ravindra kale19 March 2021 at 22:28

    There son was in our school and with me in NCC . I have visited many times there factory.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Supria17 April 2021 at 22:53

    I wish to taste this chocolate!

    ReplyDelete

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