It was a sweet double victory for India’s chocolate industry icon Zeba Kohli, as she was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Chocolatier category at the prestigious Hospitality Horizon Awards 2025 presented by Rich’s, hosted at Novotel Mumbai.
Adding to the celebrations, her family’s legacy brand, Fantasie Fine Chocolate – India’s first homegrown luxury chocolate label founded in the late 1940s by Kohli’s grandfather – was also crowned ‘Chocolatier of the Year’. The recognition marks a milestone moment for the 80-year-old brand that continues to redefine artisanal chocolate with its craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage.
The Hospitality Horizon Awards 2025 brought together India’s leading chefs, food & beverage experts, and hospitality stalwarts to celebrate excellence across the industry. Kohli’s accolade as a Lifetime Achiever was unanimously praised by the jury for her pioneering contributions as India’s first Chocolate Sommelier, her efforts in promoting chocolate education, and her ability to elevate chocolate beyond a dessert into a cultural and emotional experience.
Accepting the honor, Zeba Kohli said: “This recognition is deeply humbling. Chocolate has been my life’s passion, a way to connect, create, and celebrate with people across generations. To receive the Lifetime Achievement Award is not just my honor, but also a tribute to everyone who has walked this journey with me.”
Over the years, Kohli has redefined India’s relationship with chocolate through innovative tastings, meditative workshops, global collaborations, and storytelling that positioned chocolate as both an indulgence and an art form.
