Menakao is a Madagascan craft chocolate brand that has been produced directly on the island since 2006. It is owned by Shahin Cassam Chenai, a fourth-generation member of a family of Indian origin that has been present in Madagascar for over a century.

The name "Menakao" comes from the Malagasy words mena (“red”) and kao (“cocoa”), symbolizing the land and the chocolate’s main ingredient. Through a tree-to-bar model, Menakao processes cocoa from the Sambirano region in its own factory in Ambohidratrimo, creating chocolate made from 100% Madagascan ingredients.

This method of production generates up to four times more economic value for small producers compared to exporting raw cocoa. The product range includes various dark chocolate bars as well as milk chocolate varieties infused with vanilla, coconut milk, rosemary, chili, and citrus.

The flavors range from rich cocoa profiles with a fruity finish to exotic, intense combinations like Madagascan vanilla or bird’s eye chili.