Planet A Foods, a Munich-based B2B food tech startup formerly known as QOA, has achieved remarkable success by transforming sunflower seeds into sustainable, cocoa-free chocolate. This innovative approach has not only garnered a significant $30 million Series B funding round but also positioned the company for industrialization and global expansion.

Revolutionizing Chocolate with Sustainable Sunflower Seeds

Producing ChoViva: A Sustainable Chocolate Alternative

Currently, Planet A Foods is producing 2,000 tons of ChoViva per year. This cocoa-free, lower carbon chocolate alternative is making waves in the food industry. As the company gears up for industrialization, it plans to increase production capacity by around 7.5x, aiming to reach over 15,000 tons annually. By adding capacity and expanding internationally, Planet A Foods is set to become a major player in the chocolate market.The startup has already opened production facilities in three local markets - Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Its chocolate substitute is already being used in food products that appeal to sweet-toothed consumers. In 2025, the company plans to launch its products in the UK and France, further expanding its reach. Brands like Lambertz, Lindt, Rewe Group, and Deutsche Bahn have already embraced ChoViva, recognizing its potential.

Tackling the Cocoa Problem: Environmental Sustainability

The traditional cocoa-based chocolate production process poses serious sustainability issues. Rainforests are being cut down to make way for cocoa bean plantations, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation. Additionally, global demand for cocoa is outstripping the supply, causing inflation and raising concerns about the future of the cocoa bean.Planet A Foods is addressing these issues by providing an alternative chocolate-esque ingredient. By switching bulk chocolate production away from cocoa beans to a more sustainable method that localizes ingredient sourcing, the company aims to avoid 500 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. The ingredients used in ChoViva, such as oats, are locally grown, reducing the carbon footprint by up to 80%.

Economics and Scaling: A Viable Switch for the Food Industry

The economics of ChoViva make it an attractive switch for the industrial food industry. Unlike cocoa beans, which are a limited resource and subject to price volatility, ChoViva offers stability and predictability. To meet the demand of food giants, the startup needs to scale up production capacity significantly.At present, the production capacity for ChoViva represents a tiny portion of the global cocoa bean harvest. However, with the acquisition of new machines and the implementation of automation, the company is on track to achieve massive positive sustainability changes. It is currently focusing on meeting the demand in Europe and planning to expand to the US and Asia.

Supply Chain Challenges and Automation

The manufacturing of ChoViva is no easy task. Ensuring precise production and timely delivery requires the founders to work around the clock. The focus on automation is crucial to reducing the risk of human errors and supply chain headaches.As the company scales up, it faces the challenge of delivering 40-ton lorries of product to customers on time and in the right quality. This requires a well-established supply chain management system. Planet A Foods is working hard to overcome these challenges and establish itself as a reliable supplier in the market.

Research and Development: Beyond Cocoa Butter

In addition to scaling up production, Planet A Foods is investing in research and development. The team is working on an alternative to cocoa butter, another key ingredient in the food industry. They are also aiming to replace palm oil, which creates significant sustainability problems.With their fermentation technology, the company can offer a bio-identical cocoa butter at a lower price than conventional cocoa butter. This is a game-changer for the future of the food industry. However, one version of the cocoa butter requires approval as a novel food due to the use of precision fermentation and genetically engineered microorganisms.Planet A Foods' Series B funding was co-led by Burda Principal Investments and Zintinus, with participation from various investors. This funding will support the company's growth and enable it to continue its research and development efforts.In conclusion, Planet A Foods is at the forefront of the sustainable chocolate movement. By transforming sunflower seeds into a delicious and sustainable alternative, the company is making a significant impact on the environment and the food industry. With its ambitious plans for expansion and innovation, Planet A Foods is set to become a global leader in the chocolate market.