DAVIS, CALIF. — California Cultured, a company that produces coffee and chocolate from plant cells, has received an investment from Sparkalis, the corporate venture arm of Puratos. The investment is aimed toward transforming how cocoa and chocolate are produced, according to the companies.
“We are on a mission to reimagine chocolate — making it more sustainable, ethical, and delicious than ever before,” said Alan Perstein, chief executive officer of California Cultured. “This investment from Sparkalis will allow us to scale our operations and bring our cell-cultured chocolate to more consumers who care about both quality and the planet.”
California Cultured’s cellular agriculture process allows cacao cells to be grown in controlled environments, according to the company.
The company said its process begins with selecting cacao varieties with the best flavor profiles. The company then takes a sample of cells from the varieties and feeds a solution of natural plant nutrients to promote replication.
After, the cells grow and multiply in condition-controlled tanks and after only three to four days, the cacao cells may be harvested, fermented, dried and roasted, according to California Cultured.
“At Sparkalis, we seek out visionary startups like California Cultured that are creating transformative solutions for the food industry,” said Filip Arnaut, managing director of Sparkalis. “Their innovative approach to cocoa production aligns perfectly with our mission to foster a healthier and more sustainable future for the global food ecosystem. We are thrilled to support their journey in the world of chocolate.”Enjoying this content? Learn about more disruptive startups on the Food Entrepreneur page.
