US food-tech company Voyage Foods is set to significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities with the opening of a new 284,000-square-foot facility in Mason, Ohio, US. The facility is expected to be operational by early 2025 and will boost the company's annual production capacity of cocoa-free chocolate to 10,000 metric tons.
This expansion of the company’s facility is also driven by the increasing scarcity of cocoa. This is exacerbated by adverse weather conditions in major cocoa-producing countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana in West Africa – the top two cocoa producers in the world. The global cocoa production for the 2023-2024 period is projected to decline by 11% to 4.37 million tonnes.
The construction of the Ohio facility has been supported by a guaranteed loan of approximately $25 million from the US Department of Agriculture. This government backing underscores the importance of Voyage's work in developing innovative and sustainable food products.
This expansion comes on the heels of a strategic partnership with global agri-food giant Cargill which was announced in April. Through this collaboration, Cargill has become the exclusive B2B global distributor for Voyage's spreads and chocolate products.
The new Ohio facility will enable Voyage to better meet the growing demand for its innovative plant-based products from other manufacturers and the foodservice channel. The company's product portfolio includes nut-free spreads and bean-free coffee, all formulated from affordable, commonly available plant-based ingredients.
The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of upcycled ingredients and its focus on reducing reliance on traditional, often unsustainable, agricultural commodities. Voyage has secured significant funding to support its growth, with over $94 million raised from investors to date.
"With this new facility, Voyage is maturing from a startup food technology company to a large-scale manufacturer with the ability to deliver value across the entire ecosystem to our people, partners, and the planet," said Adam Maxwell, the chief executive officer and founder of Voyage Foods. "We feel very lucky to establish roots in Mason and continue Voyage's story here."
About Voyage Foods –
Voyage Foods is an innovative company dedicated to reimagining global flavors through sustainable, plant-based alternatives. Voyage uses food technology with culinary expertise to create high-quality products that capture the essence of traditional recipes. By focusing on sustainability and ethical sourcing, Voyage aims to reduce its environmental impact while keeping the taste same. Voyage is more than just a food brand, Voyage Foods is paving the way for a more sustainable food landscape.
