Agriculture

A Denmark-based sustainable food company has developed THIC (This Isn’t Chocolate) — a breakthrough confection that mimics the taste and functionality of chocolate without using cacao beans or butter. Instead, THIC is made from low-cost, upcycled ingredients including spent beer grains, cacao husk, plant-based fats, and other natural components, resulting in a 90% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional chocolate. THIC is currently available in blocks, chips, sticks, and chunks, with a powder format launching soon. It performs well in traditional applications such as baking, ganaches, mousses, and coatings, and can be used as a 1:1 replacement for chocolate in many cases. The company is now preparing to scale its production and is looking for established food manufacturers throughout Europe who can handle production volumes of: •20 tonnes in 2025 •130 tonnes in 2026 The company is open to long-term outsourcing or supplier agreements with manufacturers experienced in chocolate or chocolate compound production. Previous experience with upcycled is a plus not essential. Ability to handle gluten-containing ingredients is a necessity. Advantages and innovations •THIC offers a patented formulation that eliminates cacao while retaining the full functionality of chocolate •Upcycled ingredients contribute to circular economy goals and offer cost advantages •Proven applications in both B2B and B2C sectors •Long shelf life (12+ months) and certified organic •Alignment with sustainability goals: THIC delivers a 90% lower carbon footprint than traditional chocolate Technical Specification or Expertise Sought •Ability to produce chocolate-like confections from novel inputs (e.g., beer grains, cacao husk) •Capability to manage production volumes scaling from 20 to 130 tonnes/year •Compliance with organic certification standards •Familiarity with handling gluten-containing ingredients •Capacity to process ingredients at a melting point of ~40°C with a tempering curve of 41°C, 29°C, 31°C •Production formats required: chips, blocks, chunks; powder capability is a plus Expected role of a partner The ideal partner is a European food manufacturer with existing capacity for chocolate or chocolate alternatives production. The partner should be open to: •Contract production (outsourcing agreement) •Supplying THIC as a finished component for other food producers •Engaging in long-term cooperation with scaling potential •Willingness to co-develop improvements in formulation or production process is an asset