Foreverland, an Italian food technology company developing cocoa-free chocolate alternatives, has expanded the commercial availability of its ingredient Choruba® across Europe through partnerships with several confectionery manufacturers.
The company said it is working with Incom Leone, Walcor, Maxtris and Dulciar to introduce Choruba®-based products to private label, retail and promotional markets. The partnerships come as confectionery manufacturers explore alternatives to conventional cocoa amid sustained price increases, supply chain disruption and environmental concerns.
As part of the agreements, the partner companies are introducing a range of new products using the cocoa-free ingredient.
Incom Leone is launching nut butter cups in pistachio and peanut flavours, available in protein and conventional variants. Walcor has developed a Choruba® coin made using Choruba® Milk, targeting large-scale private label, promotional and licensed confectionery markets. The product has been nominated for ISM’s New Product Showcase Award and is set to appear in the showcase exhibition in Hall 10.1.
Maxtris is introducing two applications using the ingredient: peanut dragees coated in Choruba® Milk with a candy shell, and Choruba® Milk-coated popcorn. Dulciar is launching a range of Choruba® bars and pralines, using the ingredient across different formats and recipes.
According to Foreverland, several of the products are already entering commercial distribution, with some expected to reach retail shelves in the near term, while others are available through private label agreements in European and international markets.
Iris Kavčič, brand manager for chocolate at Incom Group, said the collaboration reflects wider changes within the sector. “Our mission is clear: together with innovative partners such as startups like Foreverland, we aim to shape a new future for chocolate. By using sustainable alternative ingredients, we address some of the food industry’s most pressing challenges – from supply chain resilience to climate change – while opening up new possibilities for consumers who love discovering new flavours and are seeking modern alternatives to traditional chocolate products.”
Massimo Sabatini, CEO of Foreverland, said the partnerships reflect shifting priorities among manufacturers. “These partnerships reflect growing interest in cocoa-free chocolate as manufacturers respond to supply chain volatility and rising cocoa prices. By working closely with established confectionery companies, our focus is on building long-term solutions that strengthen resilience, sustainability and commercial continuity across the value chain.”
Foreverland said Choruba® has undergone a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which found the ingredient used up to 90% less water and generated 83% fewer CO2-equivalent emissions compared with conventional dark chocolate. The company added that the ingredient’s natural sweetness can support reduced-sugar formulations.
To coincide with the launches, Choruba®-based products will be available for sampling at ISM Cologne 2026, taking place from 1–4 February. Foreverland will exhibit in Hall 10.2, Stand A093, with members of its leadership team in attendance.
