As the cocoa crisis deepens due to ongoing challenges like the El Niño weather phenomenon, pests, and crop diseases, the rise of cocoa-free chocolate is gaining attention as a potential solution. Food tech company Voyage Foods has responded to this trend by opening a new large-scale manufacturing facility in Ohio, USA, dedicated to producing cocoa-free chocolate, nut-free spreads, and bean-free coffee.
Expected to be operational by January 2025, the 284,000-square-foot plant will have an annual production capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa-free chocolate. Voyage Foods, which aims to provide sustainable alternatives to traditional confectionery, has focused on using “wholesome ingredients” that consume less water and land than cocoa, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable sweet treats.
The launch of this facility comes after Voyage Foods signed a deal with Cargill, which will act as the exclusive global distributor for its cocoa-free chocolate and nut-free spreads. Voyage Foods expects this partnership and funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s loan program to enhance its production capabilities and cater to the growing consumer demand for sustainable confectionery.
CEO and founder Adam Maxwell emphasized the significance of this expansion: “This facility will allow Voyage to deliver cocoa-free chocolate solutions on a global scale, fulfilling industry and consumer demands for more sustainable products without sacrificing taste or affordability.”
As cocoa prices rise and availability dwindles, manufacturers are exploring alternatives to survive the crisis. With its new plant, Voyage Foods hopes to scale up its cocoa-free chocolate production and help the industry find solutions that prioritize sustainability and innovation.As the cocoa crisis deepens due to ongoing challenges like the El Niño weather phenomenon, pests, and crop diseases, the rise of cocoa-free chocolate is gaining attention as a potential solution. Food tech company Voyage Foods has responded to this trend by opening a new large-scale manufacturing facility in Ohio, USA, dedicated to producing cocoa-free chocolate, nut-free spreads, and bean-free coffee.
Expected to be operational by January 2025, the 284,000-square-foot plant will have an annual production capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa-free chocolate. Voyage Foods, which aims to provide sustainable alternatives to traditional confectionery, has focused on using “wholesome ingredients” that consume less water and land than cocoa, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable sweet treats.
The launch of this facility comes after Voyage Foods signed a deal with Cargill, which will act as the exclusive global distributor for its cocoa-free chocolate and nut-free spreads. Voyage Foods expects this partnership and funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s loan program to enhance its production capabilities and cater to the growing consumer demand for sustainable confectionery.
CEO and founder Adam Maxwell emphasized the significance of this expansion: “This facility will allow Voyage to deliver cocoa-free chocolate solutions on a global scale, fulfilling industry and consumer demands for more sustainable products without sacrificing taste or affordability.”
As cocoa prices rise and availability dwindles, manufacturers are exploring alternatives to survive the crisis. With its new plant, Voyage Foods hopes to scale up its cocoa-free chocolate production and help the industry find solutions that prioritize sustainability and innovation.