Meet Andal Balu of Inno Concepts dba CocoaTown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andal Balu.

Hi Andal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t start as an engineer; I was a mom returning to the workforce after 9 years, driven by a “phoenix” spirit after losing a lot in the 2008 recession. Alongside my husband, I have spent 20 years pioneering the “bean-to-bar” movement. We’ve designed the machines that have enabled thousands of people—from rural farmers in Togo to hobbyists in Atlanta—to start their own businesses. I don’t just talk about evolution; we build the tools that make it possible. My passion is proving that anyone, anywhere, can disrupt a global industry.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. Entrepreneurship has never been a smooth road. We were one of a kind business all along. Started as the trading company selling grinders and mixer grinders to predominantly south Indian market. We had to face the effects of recession in 2008 and the worldwide pandemic in 2020, Suez canal crisis in 2024 and the new tariff regulations since 2025. Personal Health setback in 2016. The list goes on

As you know, we’re big fans of Inno Concepts dba CocoaTown. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
CocoaTown is in the business of creating and empowering Chocopreneurs & Foodpreneurs through Equipment, Education, Exposure & Expertise. We design, develop, manufacture and market specialty appliances for making chocolates and other gourmet foods such as nut butters, nut milks (mylks), seed butters, tahini, & more. Our line of machines include and not limited to Cocoa Bean Cutters, Bean Sorters, Roasters, Crackers, Winnowers, Melangers/Grinders &Tempering machines. We have been in business since 1992 and have customers in 102 countries. Our customers range from hobby makers who make 1 lb of chocolate per batch to multinational companies that make 100 tons of chocolate a year. We are a small business creating a big impact around the world. We focus on sustainability for farmers, our customers’ businesses and the environment. Visit CocoaTown.com for more details.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
about my backgorund and how I overcome the setbacks. For eg, in 2016, I became numb below my waist and had to be in bed for 4 weeks. I had to learn to walk with muscle memory. But today if someone sees me, they can not guess my health setback

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cocoatown.com/
• Instagram: Cocoa_Town
• Facebook: CocoaTown
• LinkedIn: CocoaTown
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocoaTown

Image Credits
Nettie Atkission, Balu