The low waste revolution of the cacaofruit
The low waste revolution of the cacaofruit
From cacaofruit to cacaofruit concentrate
The journey of the cacaofruit starts in the tropical regions around the Equator on farms where the cacaofruit trees grow. Once ripe, the colourful fruits are harvested by hand, cleaned, and opened to remove the seeds (beans) from the fresh white pulp.
The seeds are then used to make delicious chocolate after they are fermented and dried. Traditionally, the cacaofruit seeds were used for chocolate, meaning that 70% of the fruit was completely discarded. Now the cacaofruit cascara, which accounts for 45% of the complete cacaofruit, is dried and ground into a fine nutritious flour.
The cacaofruit pulp is quickly pressed into juice to preserve the fresh aromas of the fruit. Afterward the cacaofruit juice is filtered, gently pasteurized, and concentrated to obtain the cacaofruit juice concentrate.
Using the entire Cacaofruit
Cacaofruit has developed a low waste supply chain to guarantee complete, 100% usage of the rich and nutritious cacaofruit. Each year, about 14 million tons of cacaofruits are harvested around the world. Whereas previously 70% of the cacaofruit was thrown away (as much as 10 million tons), now not only its seeds (beans) but also the dried peel and the fresh and juicy pulp can be used.
Cacaofruit now leads the Upcycled Food Revolution by upcycling the entire cacaofruit. Did you know upcycled food is the single most effective solution to global warming? Upcycled foods are using ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, and are procured and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment.
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This revolutionary process turns what is usually discarded into high quality, delicious and 100% natural cacaofruit ingredients!
In recent years, consumer preferences have increasingly shifted towards products that not only deliver exceptional taste but also align with values of sustainability and ethical sourcing. Today’s conscious consumers are more aware of the environmental and social impacts of their purchases, seeking brands that offer transparency and tangible contributions to reducing waste and conserving resources.
This trend is especially evident in the growing demand for clean-label products, which emphasize simplicity and minimal processing, and the rise of low-waste and upcycled ingredients in food products. By utilizing the entire cacaofruit, brands can tap into these shifting consumer values, offering a unique and sustainable product while minimizing food waste.
This approach not only meets the desire for products that make a positive impact but also provides a storytelling opportunity that resonates deeply with eco-conscious consumers, positioning brands at the forefront of the sustainability movement in the food and beverage industry.
Start your sustainable journey with the cacaofruit
Cacaofruit offers a unique opportunity to create innovative, sustainable applications in the food and beverage industry. By utilizing the entire fruit — from the pulp to the juice — together we can develop exciting new flavors and textures while minimizing waste. Whether for confectionery, beverages, or snack products, cacaofruit can add a distinctive, eco-friendly touch.
If you're interested in exploring how cacaofruit can be incorporated into your product line, feel free to contact us for more information and collaboration opportunities.