Barry Callebaut delivers new dairy free chocolate series at ISM
A key product breakthrough has been unveiled by Barry Callebaut at ISM in Cologne, Germany, in the form of a new 100% dairy-free ‘M_lk Chocolate’ for its ‘Plant Craft’ Indulgence range.
According to the Swiss-headquartered business, its latest series targets growing demand for plant-based indulgence, particularly among millennials and centennials. The new chocolate is part of a wider portfolio of ‘Plant Craft’ products ranging from chocolate, cocoa, nuts and fillings to decorations.
As the company noted, trends have been observed for millennials and centennials to a seek out a healthy life, in symbiosis with the world around them. They want food and drinks that are tasty and good for them and also good for the planet and its people.
The launch at the 50th anniversary of ISM in Germany, comes at a time when sustainability-conscious consumers, especially millennials and centennials, are increasingly adopting a ‘flexitarian’ or ‘freegan’ lifestyle – navigating seamlessly between plant-based products one day and animal products the next, or taking part in milestones like ‘Veganuary ’– January as a month of an exclusively vegan diet – to reduce their carbon footprint. In the UK alone, a 2019 YouGov study found that while only 1% of consumers classify as vegan, 14% of the population have adopted a plant-based diet one or more days a week.
The new dairy-free ‘M_lk Chocolate’ is creamy, milky and has the typical milk chocolate flavor and texture. It is made with an ingredient of natural origin, exclusively available to Barry Callebaut. It took a Barry Callebaut R&D team two years to develop its latest innovation.
“The next generation of consumers is looking for experiences that are tasty, good for them and good for the planet. With that in mind, we aim to accompany the industry in this plant-based revolution, commented Pablo Perversi, Chief Innovation, Sustainability and Quality Officer and Head of Gourmet at Barry Callebaut.
“With more than 175 years of experience in mastering chocolate, creating indulgent experiences is at the heart of what we do. Through this innovation, we’re proud to offer chocolate creations with all of the creaminess consumers love, 100% dairy-free.”
