Puratos’ chocolate brand Belcolade is solidifying its commitment to sustainable chocolate after opening its doors to offer a first look at its fully operational Belgian, carbon-neutral chocolate factory. Belcolade’s new facility highlights focus on sustainability and delivering high-quality chocolate.
By combining taste expertise with a sustainable approach, Belcolade is ensuring its products not only contribute to customers’ success but helps empower them to take steps towards greater sustainability.
The latest Taste Tomorrow study’s findings show that while taste remains the primary purchasing criterion for consumers, the sustainability of the chocolate is a key differentiating factor for their purchase with 68% of respondents interested in food products coming from sustainable farming methods.
“Belcolade’s expansion is driven by its steadfast commitment to sustainability,” explained Pierre Tossut, CEO of Puratos. “Our Belcolade brand drives innovation, ensuring that chocolatiers, pâtissiers, and bakers have access to exceptional chocolate choices that mirror their values.”
The carbon-neutral factory embodies this commitment. The facility will operate on 100% renewable electricity and thanks to underground rainwater storage, it will source 90% of its water from collected rainwater. Belcolade has made investments to enhance energy efficiency, reliability and resilience against droughts by revamping technical energy installations, storage and distribution.
The Cacao-Trace Sustainable Cocoa program demonstrates another example of Belcolade’s commitment to a more sustainable future throughout the entire cocoa chain.
“The Cacao-Trace program not only produce the best quality cocoa, but also supports farmers worldwide by providing better prices and an extra Chocolate Bonus. Additionally, we improve the environment and living conditions of our farmers’ communities by building schools, health centers, and offering drinkable water equipment,” added Pierre Tossut.
In addition to these sustainable initiatives, Belcolade’s reportedly 100% recycle-reeady packaging reflects a commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and positive impact on the planet.
“Our planet is worth protecting, and we wish to play our part by applying these sustainable practices of which we are very proud,” concluded Pierre Tossut.
“Belcolade combines sensory expertise and sustainability to craft quality products that drive our customers’ success while securing a sustainable future for generations to come,” remarked Youri Dumont, Director of the Chocolate Business Unit at Puratos. “The Cacao-Trace Sustainable Program is a testament to our commitment to taste and sustainability. Our Cacao-Trace chocolate, which will be produced in part at the new site, takes taste to a whole new level of excellence thanks to a unique fermentation process that guarantees the best cocoa quality and enhances the flavours of every chocolate drop.”
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Caitlin Gittins
Editor, International Confectionery
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