Hames Chocolates’ cocoa-free ChoViva ingredient now available as private-label offering

UK – Hames Chocolates, a long-standing private label supplier to leading retailers, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of ChoViva, a pioneering cocoa-free ingredient developed by Planet A Foods. 

The introduction of this innovative alternative comes at a time when the cocoa sector continues to face pressure from deforestation, child labour concerns, and volatile pricing, issues that are reshaping supply chains worldwide.

ChoViva is made from sunflower seeds using an innovative fermentation-like process that achieves the silky texture, rich flavour, and indulgent mouthfeel associated with chocolate. 

Crucially, the process has been designed with sustainability at its core. Compared to cocoa production, ChoViva has a significantly lower environmental footprint, requiring fewer natural resources and generating less carbon emissions. 

This aligns with shifting consumer expectations, as more people seek indulgent treats that also reflect climate-conscious values.

For Hames Chocolates, which has nearly two decades of experience in supplying private-label products to UK businesses, ChoViva represents more than just a replacement for cocoa. 

The company views it as a tool to help retailers build resilience in their product ranges, providing a dependable ingredient that reduces exposure to market volatility while also enhancing their sustainability credentials and responding to consumer demand for climate-conscious indulgence.

“At Hames, our role is to make it straightforward for retailers to bring new concepts to shelf, providing the right expertise and support without adding complexity,” Carol Oldbury, CEO of Hames Chocolates, said.

The ingredient’s versatility allows it to be used across a wide variety of confectionery formats. 

It performs particularly well in products with inclusions and fillings, from caramel-filled seasonal eggs to biscuit-based snacks and fruit-layered bites. 

This adaptability gives retailers scope for innovation while ensuring a consistent chocolate-like taste and performance.

All private-label products made with ChoViva will carry co-branding alongside the retailer’s own label, highlighting innovation and sustainability to consumers. 

For shoppers, the ChoViva name signals a story of reduced carbon emissions, local sourcing, and forward-thinking product development.

Hames will support its retail partners by offering expertise in recipe development, trial production, and packaging design. Deliveries of ChoViva recently began, in September, with minimum private-label orders set between 250 and 500 kilograms.

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