Hames Chocolates, the Lincolnshire-based chocolatier and private label supplier to leading UK retailers since 2005, is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of ChoViva – a pioneering cocoa-free ingredient that delivers all the indulgence of chocolate.
Available through Hames from September, the ingredient provides retailers with a timely, sustainable alternative as cocoa supply chains face growing scrutiny over deforestation, child labour and price volatility. Hames has acted early in bringing ChoViva into its private label portfolio, offering customers a chance to work with an ingredient that is only beginning to emerge in the market.
Made from sunflower seeds using an innovative fermentation-like process, ChoViva achieves a silky, rich texture and deep chocolatey flavour that mirrors traditional chocolate in taste and mouthfeel, but with a significantly lower environmental footprint.
Highly versatile, the ingredient performs exceptionally well across a wide variety of confectionery formats – from caramel-filled seasonal eggs to fruit-layered bites and biscuit-packed snacks. It is particularly suited to products with fillings and inclusions, delivering sensory excitement and perceived value.
Carol Oldbury, CEO of Hames Chocolates, said: “For customers looking to future-proof their confectionery ranges, ChoViva is more than a cocoa substitute – it’s a way to strengthen portfolios against market volatility while responding to consumer demand for climate-conscious indulgence. At Hames, our role is to make it straightforward for retailers to bring new concepts to shelf, providing the right expertise and support without adding complexity.”
Every product made with the ingredient will feature co-branding alongside the retailer’s own label, signalling innovation and climate responsibility while elevating private label lines to premium-tier status. For consumers, the ChoViva name adds credibility, telling a story of reduced carbon emissions, local sourcing and forward-thinking innovation.
Hames Chocolates works closely with customers to bring ideas to market, offering guidance on recipe development, trial production and pack formats where needed. With extensive experience supplying major retailers, the team is set up to deliver on taste, compliance and consistency at scale – ensuring products are shelf-ready with minimal complexity for customers.
The ingredient will be available for delivery from September, with a minimum order quantity of 250–500kg of private label product.
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Editor, International Confectionery
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