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Koa has partnered with Altinmarka, a leading global cocoa and chocolate manufacturer, to introduce Cacaonly, a new product line using upcycled cocoa fruit pulp.

This innovative offering aims to transform the conventional approach to sweetening chocolate products, eliminating the need for refined sugars.

At the core of the Cacaonly line is a couverture chocolate, which is entirely sweetened with dried cocoa fruit pulp. This product is now available to chocolate manufacturers across Europe and beyond, thanks to Altinmarka's production facilities in the EU and Turkey.

The Cacaonly chocolate is complemented by a consumer-facing product, an iced beverage made from cocoa fruit juice, recently launched in Turkey through Kahve Dünyası, a subsidiary of Altinmarka.

The Cacaonly beverage features a unique tropical flavour profile, reminiscent of lychee, and is marketed as a low-calorie option free from added sugars, preservatives and additives.

Additionally, a powdered version of this beverage is being introduced, showcasing the versatility of cocoa fruit as both a sweetener and a sustainable ingredient.

Koa's collaboration with Altinmarka underscores the importance of sustainable sourcing in the cocoa industry. By sourcing cocoa fruit from over 5,000 small-scale farmers in Ghana, Koa provides these farmers with an additional income stream, which they can reinvest into their agricultural practices, thereby enhancing their livelihoods.

Anian Schreiber, CEO and co-founder of Koa, said: “Cacaonly is a testament to the power of partnership. By unlocking the full potential of the cocoa fruit, we’re proving that innovation and sustainability don’t have to be at odds – they can go hand in hand.”

The launch of Cacaonly represents a strategic move in the food and beverage sector, particularly as consumer preferences shift towards healthier, more sustainable options.

Altinmarka's commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a key player in the evolving chocolate market, while Koa's focus on upcycling aligns with global trends favouring responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.

As the Cacaonly product line rolls out, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to assess its impact on the market and its potential to redefine standards in cocoa production and utilisation.

Further expansions of the Cacaonly range are anticipated, as both companies explore additional offerings that leverage the unique properties of cocoa fruit.