Cargill and Voyage Foods Launch Cocoa-Free Chocolate Alternative in North America
Event summary
- Cargill and Voyage Foods are launching NextCoa™, a cocoa-free confectionery alternative, in the U.S. starting May 2026, with plans to expand to Canada.
- NextCoa™ uses plant-based ingredients like grape seeds and offers a 67% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional chocolate.
- The product is free from major allergens, dairy, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts, and is vegan, Kosher pareve, and Halal suitable.
- Cargill serves as the exclusive global B2B distributor for Voyage Foods, partnering with regional suppliers like Batory Foods, Blendtek, and Gillco Ingredients.
The big picture
The launch of NextCoa™ reflects a broader industry shift toward sustainable and resilient food systems, driven by supply chain disruptions and increasing consumer demand for plant-based and allergen-free options. Cargill’s partnership with Voyage Foods leverages its global supply chain scale to bring innovative, cocoa-free confectionery alternatives to market, potentially redefining the future of chocolate.
What we're watching
- Market Adoption
- How quickly food manufacturers and consumers embrace cocoa-free alternatives in a market dominated by traditional chocolate.
- Supply Chain Resilience
- Whether the use of grape seeds and other plant-based ingredients can stabilize pricing and availability amid global supply chain volatility.
- Regulatory Compliance
- The pace at which regulatory frameworks adapt to new food technologies, particularly in allergen-free and sustainable product categories.
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