Top Startups Innovating The Chocolate Industry

The UK has been a big player in the global chocolate market for hundreds of years.

Home to world-famous brands like Cadburys, Lindt and Mars, the UK chocolate industry has grown to be worth an estimated $11.84 billion in 2024 as reported by Mordor Intelligence.

But the chocolate industry doesn’t come without its issues.

 

What Are The Main Issues Facing The Chocolate Industry?

 

Whilst cocoa is an important crop for many farmers, particularly those in West Africa – the cultivation of the plant is causing some wider issues.

These include:

 

Deforestation

According to the WWF, 70% of illegal deforestation in West Africa is due to cocoa farming.

This is because farmers regularly clear tropical forests to plant new trees, rather than using the same land. Given cocoa is a more popular crop than others, farmers are destroying areas of forest to be able to fund their livelihoods.

 

Child Labour

According to the WWF, during the 2013-2014 growing season, an estimated 2 million children were used for labour to farm, grow, harvest and transport cocoa.

This method of employment, though highly unethical, is driven by farmers’ need to keep costs down.

However, this certainly poses a problem for the industry as a whole, especially as consumers look to prioritise ethical brands.

 

Unfair Pricing For Farmers

The emergence of fair trade certifications have developed after people realised just how little farmers were paid compared to their producers.

Fair trade chocolate ensures that farmers are paid a fair price for their crop, helping lift them out of poverty and contribute towards building a better life.

 

 

Startups Innovating The Chocolate Industry

 

Luckily, a number of startups have emerged to revolutionise the chocolate industry.

From ethical production to new flavours, they are certainly helping satisfy the nation’s sweet tooth. Let’s take a look at some of them…

 

Love Cocoa

 

 

Love Cocoa is a brand started by James Cadbury, great, great grandson of the Cadburys family legacy.

The brand boasts sustainable chocolate, deliverable through a letter box. The company includes a range of options including vegan and alcohol-free chocolate that tastes good, but is also good for the planet.

 

Fellow Creatures

 

 

With a rise in consumers looking for meat and dairy alternatives, it’s no wonder companies are trying to replicate traditional chocolate with vegan ingredients.

Fellow Creatures has re-created milk chocolate, without using dairy. The company boasts a range of flavours, all available to be delivered straight to your door.

 

Nukoko

 

 

Given the vast amount of ethical issues associated with cocoa farming, Nukoko has developed a cocoa-free chocolate.

The company replicates the cocoa fermentation using local beans. By doing this, they can create a product that is similar to chocolate, but much more ethically produced.

 

H!P Chocolate

 

 

 

 

Another plant-powered brand, H!P chocolate uses oat milk, instead of cow’s milk, to create their chocolate bars.

The company boasts 6 flavours, ensuring the industry has more dairy-free alternatives.

 

Bar Of Crisps

 

 

 

 

First appearing on Dragon’s Den, Bar Of Crisps combines two of the nation’s favourite snacks: chocolate and crisps.

The company creates bars that include flavours like ready salted, salt and vinegar and cheese and onion, ensuring a unique chocolate experience.

 

Spellbound

 

 

Hailing from Bristol, Spellbound infuses botanicals with chocolate for health benefits.

With mixes that include ginger for digestion, rosemary for focus and essential oils, their chocolate truffles are both tasty and functional.