Food Brewer, a startup based in Zurich, is revolutionizing the gardening and food industry by producing cocoa through plant cell culture. This innovative approach has garnered the attention of major players like Lindt & Sprüngli and Sparkalis, who have joined as strategic investors in a recent funding round.
The startup has raised a total of CHF 10 million ($11.1 million) to develop its unique method of growing cocoa without traditional farming practices. By utilizing bioreactors to cultivate plant cells, Food Brewer aims to address the increasing demand for cocoa while mitigating the effects of climate change on traditional growing regions.
Plant cell culture allows for the growth of cocoa biomass indoors, eliminating the need for sunlight, soil, and extensive water resources. This method not only supports sustainability but also enables the production of rare cocoa varieties that may not thrive in conventional agricultural settings.
Food Brewer’s focus is on becoming a business-to-business supplier of ingredients, with plans to scale up production significantly. The company is working with beverage production equipment manufacturers to adapt brewing technology for their processes, aiming for large-scale operations in the future.
As climate change continues to threaten traditional cocoa farming, Food Brewer’s approach presents a promising solution for ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of cocoa. The startup is set to target the U.S. market, with plans to secure necessary regulatory approvals and bring its lab-grown cocoa products to consumers by late 2026.
