Confectionery giant, Mars, in partnership with Perfect Day, has launched its first ever animal-free chocolate innovation in the US.
Named CO2COA, the chocolate uses Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa as well as animal-free dairy protein from Perfect Day, a California-based food tech company that created the world’s first nature-identical dairy protein using precision fermentation.
“Partnering with a forward-looking leader like Mars to accelerate their innovation and sustainability initiatives is a hallmark example of how we’re extending our impact,” said Ryan Pandya, Perfect Day co-founder and CEO. “Today, companies big and small need to deliver on the needs of their consumers, who won’t compromise on taste or the future of our planet. We’re thrilled to help a world-class company like Mars do just that as we champion a path towards a more resilient food system for all.”
CO2COA is animal-free, free from lactose and cholesterol, and comes in paper-based packaging.
Chris Rowe, global vice president of research & development, Mars Wrigley, said “The creation of CO2COA is an inventive example of how we partner with technology innovators, like Perfect Day, to bring great new offerings to our consumers. We’re excited to collaborate with Perfect Day and continuing to explore the potential of alternative proteins to help create a more delicious and sustainable future.”
The new product was influenced by Mars’ Sustainable in a Generation Plan, which addresses key areas of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
“CO2COA is another example of how Mars continues to think and act differently to help create the world we want tomorrow,” said Alastair Child, chief sustainability officer, Mars Wrigley. “From certified cocoa and a reduction in CO2 emissions to animal-free dairy, CO2COA was thoughtfully designed as we work to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Mars’ full value chain by 2050.”
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