{"id":22636,"date":"2024-02-07T16:16:59","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T15:16:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/de\/?p=34774"},"modified":"2024-08-01T15:33:26","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T13:33:26","slug":"innovation-chocolate-alternative-in-private-label-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/press-and-media\/newsroom\/stories\/innovation-chocolate-alternative-in-private-label-products\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovation: chocolate alternative in private-label products\u202f"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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REWE has become the first retailer in Europe to use ChoViva cacao-free chocolate in its private-label products.\u202fChoViva is a cacao-free chocolate alternative created by start-up Planet A Foods. It tastes like chocolate but is made with oats and sunflower seeds. Discover how it is made and what the big plus is for people and the environment in this article featuring Managing Director of Private-Label Goods at REWE Group Marcel Weber.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The concept originated when the founders realised that most of the flavour of chocolate comes from the fermentation and roasting process rather than the raw cacao beans themselves. Processed similarly to cacao, but without using cacao beans, ChoViva boasts chocolaty aroma and flavour profiles. The innovative formulation and production also save on resources and offer additional advantages compared to cacao cultivation.<\/p>\n

REWE launched its first products containing ChoViva in February, some as limited editions, under the brands ja! and REWE Beste Wahl at REWE stores, and the COVO, Granola, and Chocol\u00e0 brands at PENNY.\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Cacao is used as a raw material in many products, including confectionery, pastries, ice cream and dairy products. The supply chains for cacao are highly complex and associated with significant social and environmental risks. The REWE Group has long been committed to improving conditions in cacao-growing regions and achieving a more sustainable cacao supply chain. That\u2019s why many REWE Group private-label products feature the Pro Planet label, indicating that the product was produced in a socially and ecologically more sustainable manner. By using ChoViva in its private-label formulations, the REWE Group now has another means of addressing supply chain risks. The cacao alternative, which is made from ingredients such as oats and sunflower seeds, is more ecological and socially sustainable than conventional chocolate production, requires fewer resources and is not reliant on world markets.\u202f<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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We were immediately won over by ChoViva, both due to its quality as an ingredient and because of its advantages for the environment and the climate in terms of resource conservation and raw material availability,<\/q> says Marcel Weber, Managing Director of National and International Private-Label Goods at REWE Group. He stresses: The REWE Group continues to develop customer-focused product ranges. Sustainability is central to the REWE Group\u2019s strategy. And more sustainable, plant-based products continue to enjoy popularity across the generations. That is why the REWE Group is always looking for new approaches and ground-breaking ideas to help get us closer to achieving our goals. Of course, outstanding innovations that offer genuine market potential always have a good chance of making it onto the shelves of REWE and PENNY.<\/q><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n

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Marcel Weber, Managing Director of National and International Own-Brand Goods<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Marcel Weber, Managing Director of National and International Own-Brand Goods<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Background to the partnership with Planet A Foods<\/h2>\n

Start-ups whose products and services support transformative processes in the value chain are of particular interest to the REWE Group. For the REWE Group, the partnership with Planet A Foods is a real win-win for both parties. By using ChoViva in the formulations of popular private-label products from REWE and PENNY, the REWE Group is reducing the environmental and social risks associated with the cacao supply chain, making sourcing more sustainable and secure, and improving the carbon footprint of its products.\u202f<\/p>\n

The exclusive and time-limited partnership is part of the REWE Group\u2019s commitment to promoting start-ups. The aim is not to halt the company\u2019s development, but rather to be a partner and coach for the young company.\u202f<\/p>\n

ChoViva\u2019s innovative credentials were also recently recognised at the ISM trade fair for sweets and snacks in Cologne, where Planet A Foods was selected by a jury of experts to win the internationally renowned innovation award New Product Showcase with its cacao alternative as well as the ISM Consumer Award with the product ja! Neapolitan wafers with ChoViva.\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Read more<\/h2>\n \n <\/div>\n
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    Press release<\/p>\n

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    19 January 2026<\/p>\n

    Pioneer in the German food retail sector: REWE Group, Landfrisch AG and Producers launch unique partnership model for promising vegetable cultivation<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/button>\n<\/div>\n <\/li>\n
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