Barry Callebaut Turns to AI for Chocolate Recipes

Partnership with NotCo aims to address rising cocoa costs

Barry Callebaut, the Swiss chocolate manufacturer, has announced a partnership with Chilean start-up NotCo AI to explore artificial intelligence in recipe development. The collaboration comes as cocoa prices hover near record highs and demand for cocoa-based products weakens. By using AI, the company hopes to reduce reliance on cocoa while maintaining product quality. Executives emphasized that traditional chocolate remains central to the business, but alternatives may help strengthen resilience.

Why AI Matters for Chocolate Makers

Chocolate producers are under pressure to cut costs as raw material prices rise. Adjusting recipes to use less cocoa has become one strategy, particularly as health-focused movements in the U.S. add further challenges. Barry Callebaut CEO Peter Feld said the partnership would test how AI can improve efficiency and scale innovation. Global communications head Kai Hummel added that the company is committed to balancing tradition with new approaches.

NotCo’s platform, called Giuseppe, scans products to identify ingredients that can be replaced. It uses a database of thousands of items to simulate alternatives that closely match the original. This process reduces the need for trial-and-error experimentation. NotCo CEO Matias Muchnick explained that the system allows companies to streamline recipe development while maintaining taste and texture.

Industry Context and Other Partnerships

Barry Callebaut is not alone in adopting AI solutions. NotCo’s technology is already used by Unilever’s Magnum ice cream, one of Barry Callebaut’s customers. The start-up has also collaborated with Kraft Heinz and Ferrero, the maker of Nutella. Mondelez, producer of Oreo, recently announced it was using generative AI to cut marketing content costs by up to half.

These developments reflect a broader trend of consumer goods companies integrating AI into operations. From recipe design to marketing, artificial intelligence is being applied to reduce expenses and improve efficiency. The shift highlights how technology is reshaping industries traditionally reliant on manual processes. Chocolate makers, in particular, see AI as a way to adapt to volatile commodity markets.

Financial Outlook and Future Potential

Barry Callebaut did not disclose expected financial gains from the partnership. Hummel noted that while the potential is strong, it is too early to predict specific outcomes. The company’s ingredients are present in one out of four chocolate and cocoa products consumed worldwide, underscoring the scale of its operations. Any successful implementation of AI could therefore have significant industry impact.

The partnership illustrates how food companies are experimenting with advanced technologies to remain competitive. Rising costs and shifting consumer preferences make innovation essential. AI platforms like Giuseppe may help balance tradition with modern demands. The coming months will show whether these tools can deliver measurable benefits.