Currently, the startup is producing 2,000 tons of ChoViva, as it calls its cocoa-free, lower carbon chocolate alternative, per year. It plans to step that up to over 15,000 tons as it adds capacity and kicks off international expansion outside an initial trio of European markets.

Opening its first U.S.-based production facility is on the cards. Building on the three local markets (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) where its chocolate substitute is already in food products that aim to tempt sweet-toothed consumers, it is also eyeing launches into the U.K. and France during the first quarter of 2025. Brands buying into ChoViva so far include Lambertz, Lindt, Rewe Group, and even the German train operator, Deutsche Bahn, which doubtless pops a lot of chocolate treats on customers’ tea trays every day.

So far, the startup has around 20 customers for its alt chocolate ingredients, mostly major European food manufacturers but also some U.S. brands. As it grows capacity, it’ll be aiming to add more strategic partners too.

Cocoa, not so sweet

The problem Planet A Foods is tackling is making a staple sweet treat (chocolate) less of an environmental horror. Traditional cocoa-based chocolate production raises serious sustainability issues, since the crop grows in areas with rainforest, which can be cut down to make way for cocoa bean plantations. Global demand is also outstripping an increasingly fragile (and ethically fraught) supply, leading to inflated costs and fears for the future of the cocoa bean in a rapidly warming world.

Supplying the food industry with an alternative chocolate-esque ingredient that — just like the real deal — can be baked into or folded onto snack products like breakfast cereals, confectionary, and cakes is Planet A’s mission. And it’s not a trivial goal: The startup reckons an annual toll of some 500 million tons of CO₂ could be avoided through switching bulk chocolate production away from cocoa beans to its more sustainable method that avoids deforestation and localizes ingredients sourcing.

The ingredients it uses to produce ChoViva have been selected in part as they can be grown locally (oats are another of its staples) — hence it claims a carbon footprint that’s up to 80% lower than conventional chocolate (but note that higher bound is for the vegan version of ChoViva which, unlike other blends, doesn’t contain any milk products).

The world of chocolate is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Planet A Foods, a company that’s on a mission to make sustainable and delicious chocolate, has just secured $30 million in funding to take its cocoa-free chocolate to the next level.

For those who may not be familiar, Planet A Foods is a German-based company that’s been making waves in the chocolate industry with its innovative approach to chocolate production. Unlike traditional chocolate makers, Planet A Foods doesn’t use cocoa beans in its chocolate. Instead, it uses a combination of oats, nuts, and other plant-based ingredients to create a delicious and sustainable alternative to traditional chocolate.

The Problem with Traditional Chocolate

Traditional chocolate production has a number of environmental and social issues associated with it. For example, cocoa beans are often grown in tropical regions where deforestation is a major problem. In addition, many cocoa farmers are paid very low prices for their beans, which can make it difficult for them to make a living.

Planet A Foods is on a mission to change this. By using oats and other plant-based ingredients instead of cocoa beans, the company is able to reduce its environmental impact and promote more sustainable and equitable chocolate production practices.

How Planet A Foods Makes Its Chocolate

So, how does Planet A Foods make its chocolate? The process is actually quite similar to traditional chocolate production, except that the company uses oats and other plant-based ingredients instead of cocoa beans.

Here’s a brief overview of how Planet A Foods makes its chocolate:

1. Sourcing Ingredients: Planet A Foods sources its ingredients from sustainable and environmentally-friendly suppliers. The company uses oats, nuts, and other plant-based ingredients to make its chocolate.
2. Roasting and Grinding: Once the ingredients have been sourced, they are roasted and ground into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with other ingredients, such as sugar and milk, to create the chocolate.
3. Conching: The chocolate mixture is then conched, which involves agitating and aerating the mixture to develop the flavor and texture of the chocolate.
4. Tempering: Finally, the chocolate is tempered, which involves heating and cooling the chocolate to create a smooth and glossy finish.

The Benefits of Planet A Foods’ Chocolate

So, what are the benefits of Planet A Foods’ chocolate? Here are a few:

1. Sustainable: Planet A Foods’ chocolate is made from sustainable and environmentally-friendly ingredients, which reduces the company’s environmental impact.
2. Equitable: By using oats and other plant-based ingredients instead of cocoa beans, Planet A Foods is able to promote more equitable chocolate production practices.
3. Delicious: Planet A Foods’ chocolate is delicious and has a unique flavor profile that is different from traditional chocolate.
4. Innovative: Planet A Foods is an innovative company that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with chocolate production.

The Future of Chocolate Production

The future of chocolate production is looking bright, thanks to companies like Planet A Foods. As consumers become more aware of the environmental and social issues associated with traditional chocolate production, they are increasingly looking for sustainable and equitable alternatives.

Planet A Foods is well-positioned to meet this demand, thanks to its innovative approach to chocolate production. With its recent funding round, the company is set to expand its operations and make its chocolate available to more consumers around the world.

Conclusion

Planet A Foods is a company that is making waves in the chocolate industry with its innovative approach to chocolate production. By using oats and other plant-based ingredients instead of cocoa beans, the company is able to promote more sustainable and equitable chocolate production practices. With its recent funding round, Planet A Foods is set to expand its operations and make its delicious and sustainable chocolate available to more consumers around the world.

Planet A Foods, a German-based company, has secured $30 million in funding to scale up its production of cocoa-free chocolate. This innovative company uses oats, nuts, and other plant-based ingredients to create delicious and sustainable chocolate. Here are some benefits of Planet A Foods’ recent funding round:

1. Increased Production Capacity: With the additional funding, Planet A Foods will be able to increase its production capacity, making its cocoa-free chocolate available to more consumers around the world.

2. Job Creation and Economic Growth: As Planet A Foods scales up its operations, it will create new job opportunities and contribute to economic growth in the regions where it operates.

3. Sustainable and Equitable Chocolate Production: Planet A Foods’ cocoa-free chocolate production method promotes sustainable and equitable practices. By using oats and other plant-based ingredients, the company reduces its environmental impact and promotes more equitable trade practices.

4. Innovative Products and Flavors: With the additional funding, Planet A Foods will be able to invest in research and development, creating new and innovative products and flavors that cater to the growing demand for sustainable and delicious chocolate.

5. Competitive Advantage: Planet A Foods’ unique approach to chocolate production gives the company a competitive advantage in the market. The additional funding will enable the company to further differentiate itself from traditional chocolate makers.

6. Market Expansion and Increased Availability: With the increased production capacity, Planet A Foods will be able to expand its market reach and make its products available to more consumers through various distribution channels.

7. Improved Supply Chain Management: The funding will enable Planet A Foods to invest in its supply chain management, ensuring that its ingredients are sourced sustainably and that its products are delivered to customers efficiently.

8. Enhanced Brand Awareness and Marketing Efforts: The additional funding will enable Planet A Foods to invest in its marketing efforts, increasing brand awareness and promoting its products to a wider audience.

9. Partnerships and Collaborations: With the increased funding, Planet A Foods will be able to form partnerships and collaborations with other companies, organizations, and influencers, further promoting its products and mission.

10. Contribution to a More Sustainable Food System: By promoting sustainable and equitable chocolate production practices, Planet A Foods is contributing to a more sustainable food system. The additional funding will enable the company to further its mission and make a positive impact on the environment and society.

11. Increased Transparency and Accountability: With the additional funding, Planet A Foods will be able to invest in its transparency and accountability efforts, providing customers with more information about its products, ingredients, and production processes.

12. Support for Sustainable Agriculture: By using oats and other plant-based ingredients, Planet A Foods is promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The additional funding will enable the company to further support sustainable agriculture and reduce its environmental impact.

13. Improved Customer Experience: With the increased funding, Planet A Foods will be able to invest in its customer experience efforts, providing customers with better service, support, and overall experience.

14. Increased Accessibility and Affordability: The additional funding will enable Planet A Foods to make its products more accessible and affordable to a wider audience, promoting sustainable and delicious chocolate for all.

15. Contribution to a More Equitable Food System: By promoting equitable trade practices and sustainable agriculture, Planet A Foods is contributing to a more equitable food system. The additional funding will enable the company to further its mission and make a positive impact on society.