The Hershey Company is launching plant-based chocolate as part of its ‘better-for-you’ category.
The confectionery giant has partnered with ASR Group – which co-lead an equity investment in Bonumose, a start-up company with ‘breakthrough innovations in plant-based food ingredients, including rare and natural sugars’.
No specific details about the plant-based chocolate alternatives have been announced.
Hershey’s ‘better-for-you’ category
“We are the leader in US confection. And, our consumers rely on us to understand their needs for everyday moments, seasons, and special occasions, offering high-quality and great tasting candy that’s accessible for everyone, said Kristen Riggs, Chief Growth Officer at Hershey.
“Expanding our expertise, building new capabilities and delivering more choices in better-for-you confection is the next big category opportunity for us to lead.”
“We’re setting the foundation for long-term sustainable growth in the better-for-you category,” added Hershey President Chuck Raup.
“Everything we do is led by our consumers and our commitment to deliver only the most delicious snacks.”
Raup then concluded: “We’re driven to provide more choices to ensure they enjoy our brands and products in ways that are right for them.”
Vegan chocolate
Last year, chocolate giant Lindt launched a range of vegan chocolate bars made from oat milk.
Moreover, the bars are wrapped in fully recyclable packaging, and come in three flavors: Hazelnut, Salted Caramel, and Cookie.
Similarly, Swiss conglomerate Nestlé announced the upcoming launch of its vegan KitKat.
The new dairy-free bar – called KitKat V – will be launched later in the year in several countries across the globe. It will debut through the KitKat Chocolatory as well as selected retailers, to test the opportunity for a wider roll-out.
