The cocoa industry is facing its most dramatic upheaval in decades. Global cocoa prices have skyrocketed past $12,000 per metric ton—a six fold increase since 2022—driven by crop disease, extreme weather, and global supply chain strain.
According to the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO), the 2024/25 season is expected to see a 374,000-ton supply shortfall, marking the fourth consecutive year of global deficits. The key culprits: declining yields in West Africa—home to over 60% of the world’s cocoa—due to outbreaks of Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) and unpredictable climate conditions. As a result, food and beverage manufacturers are urgently seeking reformulation strategies that reduce cocoa dependency—without sacrificing consumer expectations for taste, quality, or clean labels.
One increasingly explored pathway? Natural flavour modulators that allow brands to preserve cocoa-like taste while reducing actual cocoa usage.
Said Tom Fuzer, VP of Market Strategy at HOWTIAN: “With cocoa prices this volatile, manufacturers need real solutions — not just cost-cutting, but flavour-preserving. Flevia GSG is uniquely positioned to deliver both.”
SoPure Flevia™ GSG, HOWTIAN’s natural flavour enhancer, has emerged as a timely solution. Previously used in beverage and dairy applications, it’s now showing promise in cocoa-based products—from chocolate milk to protein shakes. With cocoa powder now one of the most volatile and expensive ingredients in the market, reducing usage by 10–15% can yield up to 14% savings in cocoa costs. And unlike synthetic flavour enhancers, Flevia™ GSG is 100% plant-based, non-GMO, and clean-label compliant, aligning with consumer expectations for transparency and natural ingredients.
This makes it ideal for brands aiming to maintain transparency and consumer trust while optimizing for cost and supply risk. Applications opportunities include:
- Chocolate dairy drinks
- Cocoa protein shakes
- Cocoa-flavoured nutrition bars
- Bakery items and spreads
The cocoa crisis is not just a supply chain issue—it’s a catalyst for formulation innovation. Manufacturers who move quickly to adapt can protect margins, delight consumers, and gain a strategic edge. With solutions like SoPure Flevia™ GSG now demonstrating real-world efficacy, the industry has tools to weather this volatility—without compromising taste, texture, or label claims. For more visit howtiangroup.com/
