German Startup Koa Tackles Chocolate Shortages and Farmer Poverty with Cacao Fruit Pulp Shots
German startup Koa is tackling global chocolate shortages and farmer poverty with an innovative use of cacao fruit pulp. The company has launched vitamin shots made from this underutilised resource, providing additional income for farmers and addressing sustainability concerns.
Koa's Cocoa Fruit Shots, available in three flavours (Koa Pure, Koa Boost, and Koa Energize), offer a daily dose of vitamin C for €2.65 per 60ml bottle. This initiative comes at a critical time, as extreme weather and crop diseases have devastated cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast and Ghana, the world's top producers. Climate change has driven global cocoa stocks to their lowest levels in a decade.
By valorising cacao fruit pulp, Koa creates a new revenue stream for Ghana's farmers, who can earn nearly twice as much as under Fairtrade. This not only reduces on-farm food waste but also brings new ingredients to the food industry. Koa works directly with smallholders to achieve these goals. However, it's important to note that while Koa's work indirectly supports chocolate manufacturers focusing on sustainability and fair-trade cocoa sourcing, no specific companies are currently collaborating with Koa on cacao fruit pulp.
Koa's Cocoa Fruit Shots provide a sustainable solution to global chocolate shortages and farmer poverty. By utilizing cacao fruit pulp, the startup generates additional income for farmers, reduces waste, and addresses the environmental threats facing cocoa trees. As climate change continues to impact cocoa production, innovative solutions like Koa's will be crucial in securing high-quality cocoa supplies.
