Food Thoughts
Food & Beverages
Seriously good, sustainable, & ethically sourced chocolate ingredients. Baking tomorrow better for 25+ years in the UK.
About us
At Food Thoughts, we believe baking is an act of love, which is why it’s so important that every single ingredient is the best it can be. For over 25 years, all our cocoa and cacao has been ethically sourced and fairly traded to bring the UK baking ingredients that are as sustainable as they are delicious. Since inception, we’ve been working with the same suppliers, so have complete transparency across our supply chain. For our farmers, that means safer working conditions, a fairer price and no child labour. For bakers, it means high- quality, professional-grade ingredients that you can trust. Our commitment to sustainability and quality, from bean to bag (and beyond), means we never compromise on the following: 1. Finest single-origin cocoa beans: Our growers select the finest 'fino de aroma' beans for our products – only the top 8% beans in the world make the cut. As a result, we’ve won numerous Great Taste Awards and earned a place in many a great baker’s kitchen. 2. All-natural preparation: these beans are prepared naturally and sun dried for 14 days. (Because cocoa this good should never be rushed.) The result? Intense flavour and a whole bunch of nutrients. 3. 100% recyclable packaging: finally, they’re popped into our recyclable packaging, ready to be delivered. In fact, we were the first chocolate baking brand to commit to 100% recyclable packaging for all of our products. 4. Sustainable farming practices: Our organic cocoa and cacao powders aren’t just better for bakes. They’re better for the planet too because they’re 100% organic and certified by the Soil Association. Our chocolate chips and cacao nibs come from small-scale farmers, who are trained in sustainable agricultural practices, such as soil improvement and protecting water sources. Plus, our supplier and B Corp @LukerChocolate is actively involved in reforestation and has already funded the planting of 600,000 trees. We are committed to #BakingTomorrowBetter
- Website
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http://www.foodthoughts.co.uk
External link for Food Thoughts
- Industry
- Food & Beverages
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- Reading
- Type
- Privately Held
- Founded
- 1989
- Specialties
- Baking products, Cocoa, Cacao, Food and beverage, Cocoa powder, Cacao powder, Cacao nibs, organic cocoa, fairly traded, chocolate chips, vegan chocolate, oat milk chocolate chips, and sustainable
Locations
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Primary
Reading, GB
Updates
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We're thrilled to share that Luker Chocolate , our long-standing suppliers of chocolate chips and nibs, have been honoured with the 'Sustainability of the Year' award at the World Confectionary Conference! At Food Thoughts, we take pride in partnering with industry leaders who prioritise people and the planet. Luker Chocolate exemplify this commitment by fostering a positive impact in cocoa farming communities across Colombia through their #ChocolateDream sustainability plan. Their dedication to sustainable practises, education, entrepreneurship, and environmental awareness, improves livelihoods, as well as paves the way for a more sustainable future. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! Together, we're making strides towards a greener, more equitable world 🌍 . #Sustainability #FairTradeChocolate #CommunityImpact #FairCocoaFarming #BakingTomorrowBetter
Exclusive: A wealth of industry talent was celebrated on Thursday afternoon, as six winners emerged triumphant with accolades at the World Confectionery Conference as it made a successful return to Brussels in Belgium Sweetdreams Confectionery Dr. Sara Marquart Planet A Foods Luker Chocolate Paul Morris GELITA Lyn Pitt Rinsch GmbH HAMES CHOCOLATES LIMITED Carol Oldbury Andy Baxendale Cama Group Krüger & Salecker Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG #worldconfectioneryconference #WCC2024 #awards #event #Belgium #Brussels #equipment #finishedproducts #chocolate #cocoa #confectioneryproduction Matthew Stephenson
Businesses from around the globe gain honours at the World Confectionery Conference - Confectionery Production
https://www.confectioneryproduction.com
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Have you ever heard of Jelly Ear Chocolates? Neither had we! These innovative delights by Rigsby's Seasonal Foods blend the rich flavours of dark chocolate with the earthy goodness of foraged mushrooms and a touch of booze, offering a unique indulgence. Perfect for those who love to explore new tastes and enjoy delicious combination! #InnovationInFood #ArtisanChocolates
Founder & Business Owner of Rigsby’s Seasonal Foods + Forage & Make LTD | Award Winning 🏆 Food & Drink Products made from Foraged, Homegrown & Surplus Food Ingredients ♻️| 07806 505859 | [email protected]
Been a busy week with the Ingenuity Impact competition but that hasn’t stopped Rigsby's Seasonal Foods making new products The last time I made Jelly Ear (type of foraged mushroom 🍄🟫) Chocolates someone said that I was like a cross between Willy Wonks and a forager 😊. These Artisan delicacies are infused in either brandy 🥃 , Orange 🍊 and smoked black cardamom or Caleño Drinks alcohol free rum 🍹 then dipped in vegan dark chocolate 🍫 from the excellent Food Thoughts. For a bit of a flourish some are coated in foraged elderflowers or freeze dried strawberries 🍓 We will have these at an Exclusive Mushroom 🍄🟫 event tonight at Mojo in Nottingham City hosted by one of my collaborators the Nottingham Forager. They will also be available to sample and buy at the Garage Chilwell on Sunday 10am to 2pm, see you there have a great weekend 🤩
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This #EarthDay, we're proud to support EARTHDAY.ORG 's pledge to inspire businesses to reduce fossil fuel-based plastic production by 60% by 2040. At Food Thoughts, we're leading by example in our category offering fully recyclable tubs for all our products across UK retailers. As part of our commitment to a plastic-free world, we teamed up with Sonoco back in 2021, to revamp our packaging, swapping the metal bottom for a paper fibre-based alternative. Our initiatives have ignited change across the industry, with even major players like Pringles now embracing more sustainable tube designs. For over 25 years, Food Thoughts has been committed to empowering farmers, promoting sustainable farming practices, and delivering premium, ethical ingredients in every 100% recyclable pack. Together, we're #BakingTomorrowBetter. 🌍♻️ #EarthDay2024
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Since launching the first Fairtrade Organic Cocoa Powder in the UK over 25 years ago, we have proudly led the charge in championing transparency throughout our product chain. Our enduring partnership with YACAO, our trusted cocoa and cacao supplier, is strengthened by our shared commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. YACAO distinguishes itself as an exemplary partner, working exclusively with smallholder farmers in the FUNDOCO cooperative in the Dominican Republic. By prioritising fair prices and promoting regenerative agricultural techniques, YACAO (part of @Pronatec) not only enhances the livelihoods of farmers, but also fosters ecological stewardship. We are thrilled to announce that YACAO has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first supplier from Latin America to obtain a Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC). This prestigious certification underscores their dedication to fostering holistic farming practices that complement existing organic and Fairtrade standards, integrating sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental protection. Delve deeper into this achievement via the comprehensive coverage in the Confectionary News article linked below. https://lnkd.in/efxHBQzy
YACAO’s organic cocoa becomes first in LATAM to be ROC-certified
confectionerynews.com
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Amidst a world facing various challenges, from global tensions to rising poverty and the growing impacts of climate change, investing in women becomes a crucial step in turning some of these challenges into opportunities. Empowering women through global business initiatives is the key to creating a brighter future for everyone according to the United Nations - food for thought here https://lnkd.in/ejqM5hP8) Food Thoughts are committed to complete transparency in our product chain. From bean-to-bar, our cacao beans are responsibly sourced and sustainably grown by our two trusted partner. YACAO, our enduring partners for over 25 years, employ around 80 permanent staff, plus 70 seasonal workers during the main harvest season, with 72% of them being women at their Santo Domingo headquarters. We're also proud members of The Chocolate Dream led by our B Corp partners, Luker Chocolate. In 2023, this initiative supported over 1,700 girls and women in cocoa-producing regions of Colombia with impactful economic, social, and environmental projects. Our founder, Fiona Esom, believes in recognising the beauty and talent in individuals of any gender. Nevertheless, she emphasises that “when women are seen and supported, they shine, regardless of the various roles in their lives. There is an opportunity for businesses to engage with women, particularly with those that are excluded or left behind due to their age, parenting, or caring responsibilities. Food Thoughts’ core team comprises mainly of women, all dedicated to leading towards a better future. Together, we're making a positive impact, one step at a time”. #InvestInWomen #IWD2024 #InternationalWomensDay
International Women's Day | United Nations
un.org
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The future of the cocoa market is unfolding with promise, driven by an increasing consumer preference for healthier alternatives and a demand for less ultra-processed, premium products. At Food Thoughts, we've observed a surge in interest for our organic cocoa and cacao powders, underscoring a greater consciousness towards mindful consumption. Consumer's inclination towards dark chocolate, acknowledged for its higher cacao content and lower sugar levels, is a significant contributor to this market shift, fostering growth and innovation. However, amidst this positive trajectory, our industry faces formidable challenges in the form of record-high cocoa prices, complex shipping patterns, and unprecedented weather conditions. At the heart of our commitment lies the assurance that our suppliers are treated equitably, the beans we source for our products are sustainably grown, and our cocoa and cacao powders are organic. This dedication to ethical sourcing has been a cornerstone of Food Thoughts since the introduction of the first-ever Fairtrade Organic Cocoa Powder in the UK. Our chocolate ingredients are more than just culinary delights. They are crafted with beans cultivated through sustainable methods, positively impacting soil quality and safeguarding water sources. Emphasising our environmental responsibility, our cocoa and cacao powders, chocolate chips, and nibs are thoughtfully packaged in 100% recyclable tubs. In choosing Food Thoughts, consumers are making a powerful statement that goes beyond a mere selection of premium chocolate. It's an endorsement of ethical practices, sustainability, and a commitment to responsible indulgence. It is a choice for good. https://lnkd.in/ezFt7MuH #OrganicCocoa #CocoaMarketInsights #SustainableCocoa
Cocoa Powder Market Size, Growth and Forecast from 2023 - 2030
Valuable Insights on LinkedIn
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Thrilled to share that Food Thoughts has secured a spot in Waitrose & Partners' top 3 list in the current issue of Food magazine! Our Oat Mylk Choc Chips are taking centre stage. Crafted from single-origin cacao beans (supplied by LUKER, our incredible B Lab UK partners in Colombia), these vegan, creamy, chocolate chips proudly hold a prestigious Great Taste award! 🏆 Embark on a delicious journey with us, as we redefine the chocolate experience, offering not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a commitment to ethical food sourcing. With Food Thoughts, swapping for a better-tasting, ethically sourced chocolate brand has never been easier. #FoodThoughts #WaitroseTopPick #GreatTasteAward #EthicalChocolate #VeganuarySwaps