Mars launches vegan milk chocolate bar
Mars is launching a vegan oat-based milk chocolate bar. The company is responding to growing demand for plant-based products.
Confectionery giant Mars is introducing animal testing-free chocolate in the US.
Mars is the world's largest chocolate brand. In the United Kingdom, the company has already launched vegan versions of its popular chocolate bars Bounty, Topic and Galaxy. In the US, the company is now launching its first dairy-free, sustainability-focused chocolate bar.
The new plant-based product called CO2COA was co-developed with Perfect Day. The food-tech company produces animal-free milk protein using microflora.
Perfect Day's product is far more environmentally friendly than dairy products. It generates up to 97% fewer greenhouse gases and uses up to 99% less water. For this reason, Mars chose the name CO2COA to highlight the sustainability of the new bar.
Ryan Pandya, co-founder and CEO of Perfect Day, considers the partnership with Mars to be significant. «It is a prime example of how we can extend our impact«, he said.
«Today, large and small companies alike must meet the needs of their consumers. They will not compromise on taste or on the future of our planet.»
Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa is also used in the new chocolate. The packaging is made from paper.
Trying to act differently
Alastair Child, Chief Sustainability Officer of Mars, said that CO2COA is an example of how the chocolate giant is trying to think and act differently.
«From certified cocoa to reducing CO2 emissions to animal-free dairy — CO2COA was developed with care as we work towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across Mars's entire value chain by 2050«, he said.
Globally, the market for vegan chocolate confectionery is beginning to grow significantly.
Currently valued at more than 467 million dollars, it is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 14.8% over the next seven years, according to Grand View Research.
The business consulting firm cites the «growing acceptance of veganism among consumers» as a key factor driving market growth.
