Sparkalis, the food tech venture arm of Belgian chocolate giant Puratos, has invested in California Cultured.

The strategic partnership with California Cultured, a US start-up that uses plant cell cultivation to produce cacao, aims to transform the way cocoa and chocolate are produced, setting a new standard for sustainability and flavour in the chocolate industry.

California Cultured’s technical process allows cacao cells to be grown in controlled environments, enabling the creation of high-quality, sustainably produced chocolate without the environmental and ethical challenges traditionally associated with cacao farming.

The process begins by selecting cacao varieties with the best flavour profiles. A small sample of cells is taken from these varieties, which are then fed a solution of natural plant nutrients to promote replication. The cells grow and multiply in condition-controlled bioreactors, and, after 3-4 days, the cacao cells are ready to be harvested, fermented, dried and roasted.

This approach not ensures the production of authentic chocolate with rich, deep flavours, while also offering a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional cacao farming.

California Cultured CEO Alan Perstein said: “We are on a mission to reimagine chocolate – making it more sustainable, ethical and delicious than ever before. This investment from Sparkalis will allow us to scale our operations and bring our cell-cultured chocolate to more consumers who care about both quality and the planet.”

Filip Arnaut, managing director of Sparkalis, added: “We seek out visionary start-ups like California Cultured that are creating transformative solutions for the food industry. Its innovative approach to cocoa production aligns perfectly with our mission to foster a healthier and more sustainable future for the global food ecosystem. We are thrilled to support its journey in the world of chocolate.”

In February this year, Japanese food group Meiji made a second investment in California Cultured, following its original investment in 2021. Through the collaboration, Meiji and California Cultured are working to bolster its cocoa cell cultivation technology. The partnership involves a ten-year arrangement for the supply and integration of California Cultured's cell-cultured flavanol cocoa powder into an array of products tailored for both the US and Japanese markets.

Financial terms of Sparkalis' strategic investment were not disclosed.

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