Voyage Foods, a forward-thinking food technology company based in Oakland, California, is set to make a significant mark on the sustainable food landscape with the opening of its new production facility in Mason, Ohio. This expansion is a strategic step toward meeting the rising demand for innovative products, including cocoa-free chocolate, nut-free spreads, and bean-free coffee. As concerns about global supply chain disruptions and environmental sustainability continue to grow, Voyage Foods is positioning itself as a key player in reshaping how staple ingredients are produced and consumed.
Ohio Facility: Boosting Production Capabilities
The new Mason plant spans 284,000 square feet and represents a crucial addition to the company’s operations. Scheduled to be fully operational by early 2025, the facility will have the capacity to produce up to 10,000 metric tons of cocoa-free chocolate annually. This increase in production is significant as Voyage Foods seeks to address growing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional chocolate, which faces both environmental and ethical challenges due to the global cocoa supply chain.
The Ohio facility is being partially funded through a $25 million loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This funding underscores the importance of food innovation and the USDA’s commitment to supporting rural food production infrastructure. For Voyage Foods, this expansion marks its transition from a promising startup into a large-scale manufacturer, capable of delivering substantial value not just to consumers but to its partners and the environment.
“With this new facility, Voyage is maturing from a startup food technology company to a large-scale manufacturer with the ability to deliver value across the entire ecosystem to our people, partners, and the planet. We feel very lucky to establish roots in Mason and continue Voyage’s story here.” Adam Maxwell, CEO and Founder of Voyage Foods.
Addressing Cocoa Shortages and Supply Chain Concerns
Voyage Foods is tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the food industry today, particularly the global cocoa shortage. The cocoa industry has long struggled with supply chain vulnerabilities, exacerbated by climate change, deforestation, and labor issues, including child labor in some cocoa-producing regions. As these challenges become more pronounced, companies like Voyage Foods are stepping in to offer sustainable alternatives.
The company’s cocoa-free chocolate is one such solution. Made using a proprietary blend of plant-based ingredients, including grape seeds and sunflower protein, the product mimics the taste and texture of traditional chocolate without relying on cocoa beans. This innovation not only reduces the environmental impact of chocolate production but also offers stability in pricing, which is often volatile due to fluctuations in cocoa supply.
Voyage Foods’ alternative chocolate boasts impressive environmental credentials. According to a life-cycle assessment, their non-dairy milk chocolate produces up to 84% fewer emissions compared to conventional chocolate. In addition, it uses 99% less water, an increasingly critical factor in sustainable agriculture.
Strategic Partnerships and Financial Growth
Key to Voyage Foods’ continued growth has been its strategic partnership with Cargill, one of the largest food corporations in the world. In April 2024, Cargill signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Voyage Foods, positioning itself as the global B2B distributor for the company’s cocoa-free chocolate and nut-free spreads. This partnership allows Voyage Foods to tap into Cargill’s extensive supply chain and customer network, making its sustainable products available to food manufacturers worldwide.
Cargill’s decision to collaborate with Voyage Foods highlights the growing interest in sustainable and allergen-free alternatives to traditional ingredients. The partnership enables Cargill to diversify its product offerings, particularly in the bakery, ice cream, and confectionery sectors, where demand for ethical and environmentally friendly products is rising. This deal positions Voyage Foods as a viable solution to some of the pressing concerns facing the global chocolate industry, which has been plagued by issues ranging from ethical labor practices to environmental degradation.
To support its expansion and product development efforts, Voyage Foods recently closed a $52 million funding round. The funding has bolstered its ability to ramp up production and innovate further in the plant-based food space. Investors have been drawn to the company’s mission of solving environmental and supply chain challenges through food technology. With this financial backing, the new Ohio facility, and the partnership with Cargill, Voyage Foods is well-positioned to scale its impact on a global level.
Sustainable Innovation in Food Technology
Founded in 2021, Voyage Foods has made significant strides in reimagining staple food products that face an uncertain future due to supply chain constraints and environmental pressures. Its product lineup includes not only cocoa-free chocolate but also peanut-free butter and hazelnut-free spreads, designed to cater to the growing number of consumers seeking allergen-free alternatives. Additionally, the company produces bean-free coffee, a response to the rising environmental concerns associated with coffee production.
Voyage Foods’ focus on sustainability is not limited to ingredient substitution; it also embraces upcycling, utilizing ingredients often considered waste products in other food production processes. This approach reduces food waste and provides a more cost-effective solution for manufacturers, allowing for more stable pricing in the face of commodity market fluctuations.
A Growing Presence in the Market
As of 2024, Voyage Foods’ products are available in over 1,400 retail locations across the United States, including major retailers like Walmart. The company has seen consistent month-over-month growth in sales, a testament to the increasing consumer demand for more sustainable and allergen-friendly food options. One of its recent collaborations with Colorado-based Rudi’s Rocky Mountain Bakery showcases its peanut-free butter in a new line of gluten-free PB&J sandwiches, further expanding its presence in the foodservice industry.
The Road Ahead
Voyage Foods’ expansion into Ohio and its strategic partnerships reflect a broader shift in the food industry toward sustainability and ethical production practices. By focusing on innovation that directly addresses the challenges posed by traditional food supply chains, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of both consumers and manufacturers. As environmental concerns continue to shape the food industry, Voyage Foods’ solutions offer a glimpse into the future of food production—one that is more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.
With the Ohio facility set to come online in 2025, the company is poised for continued growth, contributing to a more sustainable food ecosystem while offering viable alternatives to some of the world’s most beloved, yet environmentally problematic, ingredients.
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