Finnish confectionery & food manufacturer Fazer has released an updated range of palm-oil free chocolates from its Geisha brand.
As reported, the company has committed to replacing palm oil in all its confectionery and biscuit products by 2024, with the traditional Wiener nougat as one of the first products to go through the recipe development process.
The recipe change from the Geisha brand started with its most popular variant, the original Geisha nougat filling, and the company will eventually eliminate the use of palm oil in all product ranges this year.
The company noted that palm oil in the Geisha chocolate filling has now been replaced by Nigerian cocoa butter, which is sustainable and traceable to farm level. Its sourcing practices, including cocoa production and trade, are third-party verified.
This chocolate is also made using Rainforest Alliance-certified hazelnuts.
According to Fazer, the change in ingredients does not affect the original soft flavour of milk chocolate and crispy hazelnut nougat filling.
The recipe change is the company’s response to consumers’ changing demands and an increased awareness of the disadvantages of palm oil.
Fazer Confectionery Director for Travel Retail Kari Kuikka said: “Geisha is one of our most popular and international brands, and it is available through our extensive travel retail network to chocolate-loving consumers all over the world.
“Our international customers value the developments we make in improving the sustainability of our products, and I am confident that many consumers appreciate them as well. Especially, since the melt-in-the mouth texture and great taste of Geisha have not changed at all.”
Increased focus on sustainability
Besides removing palm oil, Fazer said it is actively seeking solutions to other sustainability topics within the confectionery industry. It acknowledged the substantial impact that the way food is grown, produced and consumed has on people’s well-being, on the environment and on society.
Kuikka added: “The recipe of our colourful Tutti Frutti family of sweets was altered already a few years ago. Popular Tutti Frutti, which is familiar to many travellers, contains only natural colours and flavours. The whole Tutti Frutti selection in travel retail is also vegan.”
The company said that as of now, 35% of its confectionery products, sweets and biscuits are vegan. It continues to explore other options for developing more plant-based confectionery products. ✈
