Italy’s Foreverland unwraps €6 million to sweeten the European expansion of its cocoa-free chocolate alternative

Italian FoodTech startup Foreverland has secured €6 million in a recent funding round, signaling a significant boost for its European expansion and the commercial growth of its innovative cocoa-free chocolate alternative. This latest investment brings the company's total raised capital to €9.4 million and underscores growing investor confidence in sustainable food ingredient solutions. The funding will be instrumental in scaling production and strengthening commercial partnerships across key European markets. Foreverland's flagship product, Choruba, is a cocoa-free chocolate alternative derived from resilient Mediterranean crops like carob. The company highlights its reduced environmental impact, claiming up to 90% less water and 83% less CO2 emissions compared to traditional chocolate, without compromising taste or technical performance. The startup also emphasizes its commitment to supply chain stability and clean-label ingredients, offering a de-risked alternative for confectionery manufacturers facing cocoa price volatility and supply disruptions. This funding round is expected to impact confectionery manufacturers in Germany, France, and Italy, as Foreverland aims to solidify its presence and forge new collaborations. The company's focus on industrial-scale production of an organic cocoa-free alternative positions it as a unique player in the market, potentially influencing broader shifts towards more sustainable and diversified ingredient sourcing within the European food industry. The strategic hiring of senior talent from the traditional cocoa and chocolate sector further indicates an ambition to become a major industrial partner.