Barry Callebaut launches new cocoa fruit drink

Barry Callebaut has launched a nutraceutical (i.e. promoting medical or health benefits) fruit-based drink by the name of Elix on the market. It is made 100 percent from the seeds of the cocoa fruit and contains flavanols. These plant-based compounds are said to have a positive influence on human health. However, according to numerous clinical studies, cocoa fruit flavanols in particular help to maintain the elasticity of the blood vessels and can even lead to improvements in healthy people too. This has a positive effect on the blood flow to organs such as the heart, muscles, brain and skin.

According to a press release issued by the chocolate manufacturers, the internal research and development process for this fruit drink has lasted more than 15 years. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has now recognized Barry Callebaut’s “deep scientific knowledge” with regard to the effect of flavanols obtained from the cocoa fruit. As such, the organization has approved the health claim made in connection with Elix. Approval from the EFSA’s American counterparts, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is pending in the spring of 2022.

“The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated consumers’ interest in their own health as well as in the health of their environment”, comments Peter Boone, CEP of Barry Callebaut, in the press release. He also explained how the launch of a new range of nutraceutical fruit drinks represents yet further proof of the company’s ability to cater to evolving consumer trends by leveraging its innovative capacity and “profound knowledge” of the cocoa fruit.