Upcycled Cacao Startups

Blue Stripes is a cacao startup that focuses on upcycling the entire cacao fruit, including the shell, fruit, and beans, to create a variety of consumer products. Founded by Oded Brenner, who previously established the chocolate chain Max Brenner, Blue Stripes aims to reduce food waste and maximize the nutritional benefits of cacao. The company's product line includes cacao water, granola, trail mix, dried cacao fruit, chocolate-covered cacao beans, and whole cacao chocolate bars. By utilizing the whole cacao pod, Blue Stripes not only minimizes waste but also provides consumers with products rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

In addition to its sustainability efforts, Blue Stripes has successfully raised $20 million in Series B funding, with investments from notable entities such as The Hershey Company and Whole Foods Market. The funding will support the company's expansion into natural retail channels and food service, including airports, chains, hotels, and cafes. Blue Stripes continues to educate consumers about the benefits of cacao fruit and aims to further develop innovative uses for cacao, such as baking with flour made from the cacao shell. The company's commitment to sustainability and health has positioned it as a leader in the cacao industry.

Image Credit: Blue Stripes