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Chocolate giant Barry Callebaut has today (5 November 2025) announced a long-term partnership with Planet A Foods, a start-up innovating in sustainable cocoa-free chocolate alternatives.

The partnership aims to meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable chocolate solutions without cocoa – though Barry Callebaut has affirmed that cocoa remains at the core of its business and will continue to play a central role in its future.

In a press statement, the company said it is navigating volatility in today’s cocoa market with a proactive and diversified approach. Through collaborating with Planet A, it will enhance its portfolio by using sustainable, locally sourced non-cocoa ingredients to shorten supply chains and reduce its environmental footprint, complementing the group’s broader sustainability ambitions.

Planet A’s ChoViva brand offers a cocoa-free chocolate alternative solution made from locally available crops, such as sunflower seeds, designed to offer a chocolate-like experience without compromising on quality or taste.

The partnership will provide a foundation for global growth for Germany-based Planet A Foods, while supporting innovation on its platform technology.

Planet A and Barry Callebaut will jointly strengthen their presence across Europe while accelerating their worldwide expansion, aiming to bring Planet A Foods’ vision of resilient and sustainable food ingredients to consumers and customers around the globe.

Headquartered in Munich, Planet A was founded in 2021 and has since launched over 70 products in more than eight countries. The company closed a $30 million Series B funding round last December, and last month expanded its partnership with UK retailer Aldi through the launch of several seasonal ChoViva products.

Barry Callebaut, based in Zurich, Switzerland, reported annual sales of CHF 14. 8 billion (approx. $18.3 billion) in fiscal year 2024/25. It produces solutions across the full spectrum of chocolate, cocoa, coatings and non-cocoa alternatives, from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to crafting premium chocolates, fillings and decorations. The company operates more than 60 production facilities worldwide and employs a workforce of over 13,000 people.

Christian Hansen, head of global strategy at Barry Callebaut, said: “Through this partnership with Planet A Foods, Barry Callebaut is embracing technology to open further avenues for growth while enhancing our resiliency to today’s cocoa market volatility”.

“We are excited about the collaboration with Planet A Foods to shape the future of chocolate solutions together with our customers.”

Maximilian Marquart, CEO and co-founder of Planet A Foods, said: “Our goal has always been to scale ChoViva into a global ingredient platform – and this equal partnership helps us do just that”.

“By combining Barry Callebaut’s global footprint and capabilities with our innovation, we can scale responsibly and bring more products to markets worldwide, faster than ever.”