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Italian food-tech start-up Foreverland has raised €6 million in funding to support the international expansion of its cocoa-free chocolate alternative, Choruba.
The round, which brings Foreverland’s total capital raised to €9.4 million following its previous funding raise in 2024, includes follow-on participation from existing investors Kost Capital and Maia Ventures. It also saw new backing from CDP Venture Capital’s Accelerator Fund and Italia Venture II Fund; Riello Investimenti SGR’s Linfa AgriFoodTech Fund; and Newtree Impact.
Foreverland said the latest funding will accelerate its expansion across Europe, with a focus on strengthening relationships with confectionery players in Germany, France and Italy.
Based in Puglia, Italy, Foreverland processes locally sourced ingredients, such as carob, into cocoa-free chocolate alternatives at its production facility, opened last year. These alternatives, which are fully plant-based, are designed for industrial use, supporting manufacturers as they navigate cocoa price volatility and supply disruption.
The site recently obtained International Featured Standards (IFS) certification, confirming its adherence to international quality and safety standards.
Another key focus for Foreverland is a move into the organic space, having recently introduced a dedicated organic Choruba line to complement its core conventional offering.
The company believes it is currently the only producer offering an organic cocoa-free alternative at industrial scale, with several organic products made with Choruba already available in Italian and French retail.
Massimo Sabatini, co-founder and CEO of Foreverland, said: “This round validates our execution, not just as a food-tech innovator, but as a reliable industrial partner for confectionery manufacturers”.
He added: “With IFS Food certification in place and demand accelerating, we’re scaling commercial growth across Europe, strengthening key partnerships and bringing in senior talent from the cocoa and chocolate industry to support manufacturers at scale”.
