Switzerland is renowned for its expertise in chocolate-making, with the Swiss being known for their affinity for cocoa-based treats. In fact, more chocolate is consumed per capita in Switzerland than anywhere else in the world. Additionally, the Swiss rank among the top coffee consumers globally, with an average of 7.9kg per year per capita.
Innovators in Switzerland are now exploring new ways to produce cocoa and coffee products locally through cellular agriculture techniques. One such company leading this movement is Food Brewer, a Swiss start-up founded in 2021. Food Brewer aims to make cocoa and coffee production sustainable for people, the planet, and profitability.
One of Food Brewer’s main goals is to address the challenges faced by the cocoa and coffee industries, such as the recent spike in cocoa prices. The company is working on developing cell-cultivated cocoa and coffee powders to supply to the food sector.
Food Brewer sources its beans from Latin America for cell-cultivated cocoa and locally in Switzerland for cell-cultivated coffee. The company uses bioreactors to grow cells under optimal conditions, harvests the biomass, and processes it to create the desired flavors.
As Food Brewer continues to innovate in the cocoa and coffee sector, it is focusing on obtaining regulatory approval for its novel food products. The company is looking towards markets like the US and Europe for commercialization and plans to secure certifications to support its market entry.
Despite being in a competitive market, Food Brewer sets itself apart by emphasizing scalability and accessibility to a wider audience. The company’s commitment to bringing its products to the masses without compromising quality or luxury is a driving force behind its success.
While Food Brewer is not the only player in the cell-cultivated cocoa and coffee space, it believes there is room for multiple innovators to thrive and contribute to the market. With a focus on sustainability, quality, and scalability, Food Brewer remains a key player in reshaping the future of cocoa and coffee production.
