Blue Stripes, a food company founded in 2018, is revolutionizing the way we think about chocolate. The company’s CEO and co-founder, Oded Brenner, is no stranger to the world of chocolate. In the ’90s, he co-founded Max Brenner, an international chain of chocolate-themed restaurants that earned him the nickname of a real-life Willy Wonka. However, in 2012, Brenner found himself embroiled in a legal battle with the conglomerate that had acquired Max Brenner, which resulted in a five-year ban on selling or marketing chocolate.
Fast forward to 2018, and Brenner is back in the cacao game with Blue Stripes, a company focused on utilizing every part of the cacao fruit to create snacks and drinks. From the beans to the pulp and husks, Blue Stripes is finding culinary uses for parts of the cacao plant that are typically discarded. The company sells juice drinks and fruit snacks made from the fruit’s pulp, as well as trail mixes, granolas, and chocolate products made from the whole cacao fruit.
But Blue Stripes isn’t just about creating delicious snacks; it’s also about addressing food waste and promoting sustainability in the cacao industry. By buying cacao from Ecuador, the company claims to be boosting the local economy and reducing environmental impacts associated with waste. With a recent $20 million investment from investors like The Hershey Company and Whole Foods, Blue Stripes is poised to reach more customers and make a bigger impact in the industry.
However, popularizing cacao beyond the bean in a country where many people don’t even know that chocolate comes from a fruit might prove to be a challenge. And while turning the fruit into a bestseller could make the chocolate industry more sustainable, there are still questions about the feasibility and scalability of Blue Stripes’ mission.
Every chocolate bar starts with the seeds found inside cacao fruits, which are harvested from trees in equatorial regions. The beans are surrounded by a layer of pulp and covered with fibrous husks, which are often treated as waste. Many farmers dispose of these husks in ways that contribute to planet-warming emissions, but turning them into compost can significantly reduce emissions and benefit the soil.
Blue Stripes’ mission to utilize every part of the cacao fruit and address food waste in the industry is a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable chocolate industry. With Brenner’s passion and expertise, the company is well-positioned to make a positive impact and change the way we view chocolate production. In the world of cacao farming, waste is a common issue that many farmers face. The process of composting, while beneficial for the environment, is often seen as too much work for too little financial return. Molly Leavens, the agriculture and development program manager at Sustainable Food Lab, a nonprofit organization that works with farmers and food companies to improve farmer livelihoods and advance sustainable agriculture, highlights this challenge.
Leavens explains that farmers find it difficult to prioritize composting due to the labor-intensive nature of the task and the minimal financial incentives it offers. This dilemma underscores the need for innovative solutions to address waste management on cacao farms.
While waste management presents challenges, it is essential to consider the broader environmental impact of cacao production. Deforestation is a significant contributor to cacao’s carbon footprint, particularly in regions like Ivory Coast, where it accounts for over 90 percent of the footprint. This highlights the importance of addressing both waste management and deforestation in sustainable cacao farming practices.
The global chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, relies heavily on cacao farmers, many of whom are smallholders. Despite the industry’s size, cacao growers receive only a small percentage of the profits generated by chocolate sales. This disparity in earnings underscores the need for initiatives that can increase farmers’ revenues and improve their livelihoods.
One promising solution lies in upcycling cacao waste products. Indigenous communities in South and Central America have been utilizing cacao pulp to create various food products for thousands of years. Today, chefs in cacao-growing regions worldwide are transforming cacao waste into sorbets, jams, and other culinary delights. This upcycling approach not only reduces waste but also creates additional revenue streams for farmers.
One company leading the way in cacao waste upcycling is Blue Stripes. Founded by Oded Brenner, Blue Stripes sources cacao pods from farms in Ecuador and processes them to extract pulp, beans, and husks. By utilizing the entire cacao pod, Blue Stripes has been able to increase farmers’ revenues by $1.5 million between mid-2022 and late 2024. This innovative approach not only benefits farmers but also promotes sustainable practices within the cacao industry.
Overall, addressing waste management in cacao farming is a complex challenge that requires collaboration and innovative solutions. By prioritizing waste reduction and upcycling, farmers and companies can create a more sustainable and profitable cacao industry for the future. Blue Stripes, a company working to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers while reducing waste in the chocolate industry, has garnered attention from experts in the field. Despite the company’s success, one aspect that remains a mystery is the identity of the farmers they work with. The company declined to provide any information about the farmers, citing their request for privacy.
Experts in the chocolate industry, such as Amourlaye Touré from Mighty Earth and Leavens at Sustainable Food Lab, have praised Blue Stripes for its innovative business model. By localizing processing and manufacturing in the regions where cacao is grown, the company is boosting the local economy and ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their crops. This direct trade practice benefits farmers by allowing them to keep the full earnings from their harvest.
Will Lydgate, owner of Lydgate Farms in Hawai‘i, expressed his support for any model that improves farmer livelihoods. He emphasized the importance of increasing income for cacao farmers and recognized the potential impact of Blue Stripes’ approach.
In addition to supporting farmers, Blue Stripes is also focused on reducing the environmental impact associated with cacao waste. By upcycling cacao products and preventing waste, the company is conserving resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment to sustainability has received praise from experts who believe that such initiatives could help prevent deforestation and drive positive change in the industry.
One of the challenges Blue Stripes faces is popularizing whole cacao, a relatively unknown product in the United States. The company’s strategy includes highlighting the health benefits and versatility of whole cacao to attract new customers. While the company’s products have received positive feedback for their taste and innovation, the widespread adoption of whole cacao remains to be seen.
Overall, Blue Stripes’ efforts to support farmers, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices in the chocolate industry have garnered attention and praise from experts. As the company continues to grow and expand its reach, it has the potential to set a valuable example for the industry and inspire positive change in the way cacao is sourced and processed. Blue Stripes Cacao Shop is making waves in the industry by drawing awareness to cacao as a key ingredient in their products. The company’s dedication to showcasing the versatility and richness of cacao has caught the attention of many, including renowned chef Alex Guarnaschelli.
In a recent interview, Guarnaschelli expressed his admiration for Blue Stripes’ commitment to highlighting cacao’s potential in culinary creations. He stated, “I’m really happy that Blue Stripes is doing that.” This endorsement from a respected figure in the food industry is a testament to the quality and innovation that Blue Stripes brings to the table.
Cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate, is often overlooked in favor of more mainstream ingredients. However, Blue Stripes is on a mission to change that perception by showcasing the diverse flavors and textures that cacao can offer. From rich and decadent chocolates to savory dishes infused with cacao, the possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating this versatile ingredient into culinary creations.
The company’s dedication to quality and sustainability is evident in every aspect of their business. They source their cacao beans from small, sustainable farms, ensuring that every product they create is not only delicious but also ethically produced. This commitment to sustainability has resonated with consumers who are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices.
In addition to their innovative products, Blue Stripes also offers educational workshops and tastings to help customers explore the world of cacao. These events provide a unique opportunity to learn about the history and cultivation of cacao, as well as the various ways it can be used in cooking and baking.
Overall, Blue Stripes Cacao Shop is a shining example of a company that is not only dedicated to creating delicious products but also to raising awareness about the potential of cacao as an ingredient. With the support of influential figures like Alex Guarnaschelli, it’s clear that Blue Stripes is on the right track to making cacao a staple in kitchens everywhere. The sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky as people bustled about their daily activities. The city streets were filled with the sounds of cars honking, people chatting, and birds chirping. It was a typical day in the bustling metropolis.
As I walked through the crowded streets, I couldn’t help but notice the diverse array of people around me. There were businessmen in suits rushing to their next meeting, tourists snapping photos of the iconic landmarks, and families enjoying a leisurely stroll. It was a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, each person adding their own unique flavor to the vibrant city.
I decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and make my way to the local park. As I entered the park, I was greeted by the sight of children playing on the swings, couples lounging on the grass, and elderly individuals taking a leisurely stroll. The park was a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the city, a place where people could relax and unwind.
I found a peaceful spot under a shady tree and sat down to soak in the tranquility of the park. The gentle rustling of leaves in the wind, the chirping of birds, and the laughter of children created a soothing symphony that enveloped me in a sense of calm.
As I sat there, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty of the city and its people. Despite the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there was a sense of unity and harmony that permeated the air. People from all walks of life came together in this urban oasis, each bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives.
I realized that it was this diversity and interconnectedness that made the city so vibrant and alive. It was a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and dreams, each person contributing to the tapestry of the city in their own special way.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this city and its people. It was a place where everyone was welcome, where differences were celebrated, and where unity prevailed.
As I made my way back to the bustling streets, I carried with me a renewed sense of appreciation for the city and its people. It was a place where diversity thrived, where unity reigned, and where the beauty of humanity shone bright. And as I looked around at the faces of the people passing by, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that I was a part of something truly special.
