R&D services

On a bilateral and confidential basis, Cacaolab offers R&D and consulting services
to solve your problem or design your product or process.

Our field of expertise

  • Bean to bar

    Offering lab- and pilot-scale bean to bar production facilities and partnerships with cocoa producing countries, Cacaolab can support you in studying the complete chain from cocoa harvesting and fermentation over drying, roasting, grinding, mixing, refining, conching to finally tempering and molding or enrobing.

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  • Cocoa Alternatives

    In today's cocoa and chocolate industry, unprecedented challenges are reshaping the landscape like never before. With cocoa prices soaring to new heights and supply chain disruptions becoming more prevalent, it's essential to adapt and innovate to stay ahead. At Cacaolab, we understand the urgency of the situation, and that's why we're excited to use our knowledge to pave the way forward.

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  • Reformulation & health

    Closely monitoring the latest societal trends, Cacaolab can advise you on how to reformulate your recipes aiming at healthier, for instance sugar-reduced or protein-enriched, end products while anticipating on all the possible implications related to product processing and shelf life.

  • Reformulation & Cost Optimization

    Disruptive supply chain vulnerabilities force food companies and ingredient suppliers to build more resilient food production processes. Cacaolab can assist in defining reformulation and cost optimization strategies.

  • Stability & Quality

    By applying a variety of scientific methodologies, experimental designs and analytical techniques, combined with a trained sensory panel, Cacaolab can help you in obtaining the highest product quality throughout the entire shelf life.

  • Sustainability

    Driven by the awareness of the need for a greener world Cacaolab can assist you not only in valorising by-products but also in obtaining the highest level of resource efficiency throughout your production process.

  • Innovative Processing

    Cacaolab can assist you in finding the appropriate innovative small(er)-scale processing equipment as an alternative for conventional capital-intensive processes with a huge capacity and energy consumption.

Our lab-scale facilities & analytical toolbox

  • Advanced analytical techniques (DSC, pNMR, XRS, rheology, etc.)

  • Microscopic techniques

  • Wet lab facilities

  • Roasting

  • Breaking & winnowing

  • Grinding

  • Mixing

  • Roll refining

  • Ball milling

  • Conching

  • Tempering

  • Confectionery applications

  • Confectionery applications

  • Confectionery applications

  • Confectionery applications

Download a full overview of our facilities & toolbox here

Co-creation: From idea to prototype

Transform your vision into reality

At the heart of our R&D services is co-creation. Whether you’re a start-up or an established brand, we collaborate closely with you to bring your innovative ideas to life.

Our process includes:

  • Ideation sessions: Engage with our creative team of food technologists to brainstorm and refine your ideas.

  • Prototype development: Using our lab- and pilot scale facilities, we turn your concepts into tangible prototypes.

  • Sensory and quality testing: Ensuring your product meets the highest standards of taste and quality with our rigorous testing protocols.

Problem solving: Expertise on demand

Your challenges, our solutions

Facing a challenge with your product or process? Our team of engineers is here to help.

We provide:

  • Quality troubleshooting: expert guidance to identify, address and resolve your issues quickly to ensure your products meet the highest standards.

  • Process optimization: improve efficiency and consistency in your production line with our tailored solutions.

Measure to master: Ensuring consistency & quality

Precision and reliability in every step

Consistency and quality are paramount. Our analytical services ensure your products are always at their best.

We offer:

  • Chemical and physicochemical analysis: comprehensive testing for composition, flow behavior, texture, melting- or crystallization behavior and other key parameters.

  • Shelf-life studies: understand and extend the microbological, chemical and/or physical shelf life of your products with our in-depth studies.

Current & Previous Clients

Let’s innovate together

Interested in our R&D services? We're thrilled to hear that! Whether you're a startup, an established enterprise, or anywhere in between, we're here to help. To get started, simply fill out the form below to schedule a free intake call with our expert team. During this call, we'll discuss your project in detail, listen to your specific needs, and tailor our services to meet your goals. Let's embark on this journey of innovation together!