(CONNECT) Chocolate producer Barry Callebaut and Planet A Foods from Planegg near Munich have entered into a partnership. According to a joint statement, they intend to make the Bavarian company's "world-leading cocoa-free chocolate alternative" ChoViva available in Europe and beyond.

ChoViva is an innovation based on sunflower seeds. It should taste like chocolate and be able to do everything that chocolate can do. By using sustainable, regionally sourced raw materials and ingredients without cocoa, this alternative contributes to shortening supply chains and reducing the ecological footprint, the press release states: "It therefore contributes optimally to Barry Callebaut's comprehensive sustainability goals."

Barry Callebaut will provide Planet A Food with a strong foundation for responsible global growth and the opportunity to drive innovation with its own platform technology. Barry Callebaut also benefits from this: "By partnering with Planet A Foods, we are using an innovative technology that allows us to tap into new growth opportunities while strengthening our resilience to the current volatility of the cocoa market," Christian Hansen, Head of Global Strategy at Barry Callebaut, is quoted as saying.

However, cocoa-free innovations are not intended to replace traditional chocolate, says Dries Roekaerts, President Customer Experience at Barry Callebaut, but to expand the portfolio. "Together with Planet A Foods, we can scale the production of irresistible new chocolate experiences and thus offer more choice. All without compromising on taste, quality or our commitment to the planet." ce/mm