What makes innovation possible? When you know the ingredients inside and out. And with over a century of experience working with cocoa, operating across nine origin countries* and working with over 550,000 farmers*, we’ve earned the deep-rooted expertise and global perspective for cutting edge cocoa innovation. From sourcing the finest beans to pioneering cutting-edge solutions, our sustainable cocoa innovations are built on a foundation of precision, quality and collaboration.
Backed by our drive for continuous improvement, our heritage and history, it’s our breadth of experience that makes innovation for tomorrow seamless. What will we craft together?
*Numbers are subject to change
Technology is transforming cocoa, and we’re at the forefront. From AI-powered technology monitoring the risk of deforestation to optimizing carbon tracking for cocoa that helps measure and reduce environmental impact, we integrate smart solutions into every stage of the supply chain. And our processing facilities, strategically located near key consumption markets in Europe, North America, South America and Asia, ensure seamless production of high-quality cocoa ingredients tailored to evolving consumer demands.
Innovation
Innovation begins with understanding cocoa from farm to final product. That’s why we work closely with farmers to grow quality cocoa, and with you to fine-tune color, flavor, texture, and performance.
Our technical experts help optimize cocoa in your recipes—from dispersibility in beverages and fat compatibility in confectionery, to water-holding capacity in bakery. We enhance chocolate’s gloss and snap through butter crystallization and unlock bold flavors through proprietary processing.
Creating plant-based chocolate? We can help you achieve the right fat compatibility, smooth dispersion, and indulgent melt—whether for velvety fillings or evenly blended beverages.
With our expertise and a problem-solving mindset, we turn cocoa challenges into high-performing solutions, helping brands innovate across categories.
Fresh thinking needs a dedicated space. At our Ingredient Excellence Centers (IECs) we refine and innovate ingredients for success.
As a hub for developing innovative ingredients, processes and technologies, our IECs are where we apply expert knowledge in areas like chemistry, engineering, processing technologies and analytics while offering practical, fact-based solutions. The cocoa IECs focus on creating new value-added products and processes to meet customer needs, such as better-for-you reformulations, upcycling side streams, enhancing natural flavors and highlighting unique single-origin cocoa flavors. Additionally, it supports a global network of scientists and engineers.
It’s where concepts take off.
Case Study
Tastes in global cocoa consumption move rapidly, and we know how important it is to stay ahead of demand and trends. But how can you predict what’s coming?
In 2023, we used the latest AI to predict the cocoa flavors that were about to be in demand, region by region. The research, using predictive analytics to scan recipes, menus and e-commerce trends, found that Asian flavors like dragon fruit, lychee and yuzu are rising in the US and Europe, while Western flavors like butterscotch and salted caramel are gaining popularity in South Asia, particularly Indonesia and India. We’ve moved fast to meet fascinating research, creating new cocoa parings and exciting new concepts inspired by this ‘East meets West’ trend. So far, our team identified pairings such as chocolate-coated dragon fruit ice cream for the US and a black forest and cocoa flavored frappe for Indonesia. It’s all part of our dynamic, progressive approach to bring you the latest in cocoa innovation: and show exactly how versatile and timeless it is.
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Co-create
Cocoa’s versatile flavor profile and ability to adapt to various textures make it an ideal ingredient for creating innovative products across every market. For example? A refreshing fresh cocoa and coffee bubble tea, featuring rich dark cocoa pearls and silky cashew milk topped with a frothy cashew coffee foam. Or a velvety, indulgent vegan ice cream bar, made with cocoa and plant-based ingredients for a dairy-free treat. Need more ideas? That’s where we come in.
Partner with us as your cocoa supplier to discover trending flavors, appeal to health-conscious audiences or create clean-label, plant-based innovations.
Our team of chefs and food scientists is constantly exploring new ways to excite consumers’ taste buds.
Get in touch
Our innovation experts will help you turn your cocoa ideas into delicious reality.
