Harshit Gupta and Elliott Curelop began selling Madhu Chocolate bars at their local farmers market in Austin, Texas. Their blend of rich chocolate with traditional Indian flavors—spices, nuts, and fruits—quickly became a community favorite. One customer said that the warmth of her first bite felt like a hug from her mother. Named after a cofounder’s mother, Madhu, that’s the ultimate compliment for the company. And “Madhu” means “sweet” in Hindi, which is fitting for a chocolate business.

Soon, they had many devoted fans wanting more chocolate and the convenience of buying online. When Whole Foods took notice, Harshit and Elliott knew it was time to scale up. In September 2018, they moved manufacturing from their home kitchen to a 450-square-foot commercial space. This expansion helped them transition to online sales during the pandemic. And it positioned them to work with more retailers when the world reopened.

As Madhu Chocolate grew, so did their reliance on FedEx® for small business support. Harshit works closely with a FedEx representative he describes as “always available.” Together, they tackled the company’s biggest logistical challenge: ensuring the safe shipment of perishable products from Austin, where temperatures can soar above 100 degrees, especially in the summer months. FedEx One Rate® proved indispensable, offering predictable pricing, free shipping supplies, and day-definite delivery backed by the FedEx Money-Back Guarantee. This swift service helps keep their chocolates from melting and maintains customer satisfaction with every order.

Harshit’s advice to prospective small business owners is straightforward: “Write a business plan. Who is your competition? Who is your target market? How much money do you want to make in the first few years?” This process helped Harshit and Elliott shift their initial focus from bonbons to chocolate bars for more year-round appeal. Harshit says a key factor in achieving business growth and success is the ability to pivot quickly.

Madhu Chocolate continues to thrive and has now upgraded to a 2,500-square-foot manufacturing facility. Receiving a grant from the 2024 FedEx Small Business Grants Program will help them meet their next goals—expanding their national footprint, opening a retail location, and venturing into international markets like the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia.

At the heart of their brand lies the mantra “Be Madhu to one another.” This sentiment infuses every facet of their operations—from beautifully hand-wrapped bars to carefully crafted flavor profiles. Harshit and Elliot pour love into each bite to create a sweet experience for every customer.