In a world increasingly aware of the environmental and social costs of traditional agriculture, Planet A Foods has emerged as a beacon of sustainable innovation. With the recent announcement of a $30 million Series B funding round, the Berlin-based foodtech startup is poised to redefine the chocolate industry through its flagship product, ChoViva—a cocoa-free chocolate alternative that blends indulgence with environmental responsibility.
Tackling Challenges in the Chocolate Industry
The global chocolate industry, valued at $130 billion, faces a convergence of environmental, social, and economic challenges. Cocoa farming, a cornerstone of chocolate production, contributes to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and significant carbon emissions. At the same time, climate change and volatile cocoa prices threaten the industry’s long-term viability, leaving producers and consumers alike vulnerable to instability.
Founded in 2021 by siblings Dr. Sara and Dr. Maximilian Marquart, Planet A Foods has rapidly gained recognition as a pioneer in sustainable food production. At the heart of its mission is a response to the pressing challenges facing the global chocolate industry, valued at $130 billion. From deforestation and biodiversity loss to the carbon footprint of cocoa farming, chocolate production has long carried a heavy ecological toll. Add to this the economic volatility of cocoa prices, and the need for a viable alternative becomes clear.
ChoViva answers this call. Made from locally sourced sunflower seeds and crafted through a proprietary fermentation process, this cocoa-free chocolate alternative delivers the rich taste and velvety texture chocolate lovers expect—while generating 80% fewer carbon emissions. It’s a revolutionary step forward that underscores the potential for food innovation to mitigate climate change.
A Milestone Series B Funding Round
The $30 million Series B funding, co-led by Burda Principal Investments and Zintinus, with participation from World Fund, Bayern Kapital, Cherry Ventures, Tengelmann Ventures, and Omnes Capital, marks a significant milestone for Planet A Foods. This investment brings the company’s total funding to over $45 million and underscores its potential to transform the food industry.
The funding will enable Planet A Foods to scale production from 2,000 to over 15,000 tons annually, leveraging its IFS-certified facility and strategic partnerships to meet surging demand. Following successful launches in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, ChoViva is slated to debut in the UK and France in early 2025, with further expansion into the US and Asia on the horizon.
“This Series B round marks a major milestone for us,” said Dr. Maximilian Marquart, CEO and co-founder. “With 30 million dollars in fresh funding and an industry-leading product, Planet A Foods is no longer just a startup—we’re on our way to becoming a leading foodtech player reshaping the sustainable food industry.”
Driving Innovation Beyond Chocolate
While ChoViva remains the centerpiece of Planet A Foods’ portfolio, the company’s commitment to innovation extends beyond chocolate alternatives. With ongoing investment in research and development, Planet A Foods is exploring new applications for its proprietary technology, including a specialty fats solution designed to replace cocoa butter. These efforts align with its mission to provide sustainable, scalable ingredients for a broad range of food applications.
“At Planet A Foods, we believe the future of food must be sustainable, ethical, and scalable,” said Dr. Sara Marquart, CTO and co-founder. “ChoViva empowers producers to create 100% cocoa-free products, reducing reliance on vulnerable supply chains and making a tangible impact on the environment.”
Planet A Foods’ growth has been fueled by collaborations with major brands and retailers. Trusted by companies such as Lambertz, Lindt, Rewe Group, and Deutsche Bahn, ChoViva is already featured in over 20 products available across 42,000 retail locations in Europe. These partnerships are a testament to the scalability and quality of its offerings.
The company’s achievements have garnered widespread recognition. Products featuring ChoViva have received prestigious accolades, including the New Product Showcase and Consumer Award at ISM and the Bestseller Awards for product innovation in 2024. These honors highlight the widespread appeal and market potential of cocoa-free chocolate.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
As the global demand for sustainable food alternatives grows, Planet A Foods is uniquely positioned to lead the charge. Its innovative approach not only addresses the ecological challenges of cocoa farming but also creates a more stable and cost-effective alternative for producers and consumers alike.
“Our mission remains unchanged: to provide sustainable food ingredients that are decoupled from price-volatile and limited resources,” Dr. Marquart emphasized. “This funding allows us to scale our impact and strengthen our position as the go-to partner for sustainable chocolate innovation.”
With its blend of scientific expertise, commitment to sustainability, and strong financial backing, Planet A Foods is charting a course toward a more resilient future. By delivering on its promise of indulgent, sustainable chocolate, the company is proving that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand—setting a new standard for the food industry.
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