OFI Bridges Gap Between Craft and Industrial Scale with New Single-Origin Cocoa Liquors

OFI (Olam Food Ingredients) has announced the launch of a new range of single-origin cocoa liquors designed to solve one of the confectionery industry’s most persistent challenges: delivering artisan-level flavour precision at an industrial scale.

Set to debut at ISM Cologne 2026, the new portfolio targets premium chocolate manufacturers seeking to scale complex, origin-led flavour profiles without compromising on consistency or production efficiency.

Scaling the 'Craft' Experience

The range features liquors sourced from three distinct terroirs: the Dominican Republic, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea. OFI has employed a hybrid processing approach that combines "craft-inspired" batch roasting and tailored fermentation with advanced sensory mapping.

According to the company, this methodology allows industrial chocolate makers to replicate the nuance of fine-flavour chocolate—typically associated with small-batch production—across high-volume manufacturing lines.

Simon Brayn Smith, Global Head of Cocoa Liquor at OFI, commented on the technical breakthrough: "The challenge for chocolate manufacturers is producing true craft-quality flavour without compromising consistency. Our new range bridges that gap, bringing the depth and nuance of single-origin cocoa to industrial processes."

Market Context: The $68 Billion Opportunity

The launch is timed to capitalise on a booming premium confectionery market. Citing data from M2 Square Consultancy, OFI notes that the sector is currently valued at over $31 billion globally and is projected to more than double to $68 billion by 2033.

This growth is driven by evolving consumer palates demanding richer, traceable, and more complex flavour experiences. OFI’s new liquors are positioned to help manufacturers differentiate their products in this increasingly competitive segment by offering "industrial-scale reliability without sacrificing sensory qualities."

Strategic Sourcing and Terroir

The initiative underscores OFI’s broader strategic focus on origin-led cocoa sourcing. By leveraging its global origination network, the company is able to select beans with distinct terroir profiles that can be standardised for broad application across:

Premium chocolate bars
Confectionery coatings
Ingredient applications (bakery/desserts)

This move reflects a wider industry trend where the lines between "craft" and "industrial" are blurring, driven by the need for scalable, cost-effective production of high-end, traceable products.