Loacker has launched a new investment program through which it plans to invest €1 million per year in start-ups with the potential to transform the food sector. Among the first companies supported is the Danish company Endless Food Co., which specializes in developing alternatives to chocolate.

Based in Copenhagen, Endless developed THIC (This Isn't Chocolate), a chocolate alternative made from repurposed ingredients such as grains used by breweries and cocoa husks. The solution is available in formats such as chips and powder and is already used by 7-Eleven in Denmark, as well as being supplied to bakeries and restaurants in Europe.

The second company supported by Loacker is the Italian firm Dr Taste, which develops a predictive platform based on market, sensory, and neuroscientific data to help food companies understand consumer responses to products.

According to Just Food, Loacker's initiative comes in the context of growing interest from the food industry in alternatives to traditional chocolate, particularly cocoa-free solutions.

In a LinkedIn post about the new program, Loacker explained that its focus is on areas of " strategic synergy ," such as developing innovative natural ingredients, creating balanced nutrition solutions without compromising taste, developing circular economy solutions, and strengthening supply chain transparency through smart data.