Chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat it is becoming a platform for regeneration, fairness, and traceability.
In this episode of Future Food Cast, Keith Bearden , CEO of a premium chocolate company Alter Eco , shares how regenerative farming, ethical sourcing, and zero-waste packaging are reshaping the food supply chain. With more than 25 years of experience in food and beverage, Keith brings deep insight into how brands can lead with both purpose and performance.
From Advisor to Owner: A Chocolate Company Reinvented
Keith first joined the company as a board member, supporting a private equity firm that had owned the brand for seven years. But when the firm looked to sell and struggled to find the right buyer, Keith stepped in not just as a CEO, but as a new owner.
“I raised my hand and said, I’d like to buy the company.”
He pulled together a group of investors, formed Trek One Capital, and acquired the company in late 2023. His goal: grow a legacy brand rooted in impact, transparency, and sustainability.
A 20-Year Mission: Ecosystems, Livelihoods, and Waste
Founded over two decades ago, the company was built around three principles:
- Restore ecosystems
- Improve livelihoods
- Reduce waste
These weren’t marketing slogans they became operating rules. Keith continues to expand that mission today.
“We produce amazing chocolate, but more importantly, we source it responsibly and build long-term partnerships with our co-ops.”
Regenerative Cocoa Sourcing in Latin America
While most of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa, this company sources from Latin American cooperatives, many of which have practiced regenerative agriculture for years—some without even realizing it.
By working with these co-ops, educating farmers, and measuring results annually, the company now sources:
- 75% of its cocoa from regenerative farms (up from 66% the previous year)
- With a goal to hit 100% by 2030
“We walk the farms, meet the farmers, and help restore ecosystems—one chocolate bar at a time.”
B Corp + Fair for Life: More Than Just Certification
Since 2009, the company has been B Corp certified, long before most brands knew what it meant. It also holds Fair for Life certification, which goes beyond traditional fair trade by ensuring:
- Farmers earn 30% above market cocoa prices
- Wages are traceable and consistent
- Communities benefit through education and healthcare funding
“We don’t just hope they’re getting paid fairly—we verify it.”
Compostable Packaging: A Backyard Test
The mission to reduce waste extends to every wrapper.
- Chocolate bar packaging is compostable
- Truffle wrappers are backyard compostable—a global first
Keith even tested them at home.
“I’ve thrown them in the backyard to see how long they take to disappear. They do.”
Market Disruption: Climate and Cocoa Price Surges
Climate change hit cocoa supply chains hard. In 2024, West Africa faced major drought, leading to a 30% drop in cocoa production and a 4x price spike.
- Cocoa rose from $4,000/ton to over $12,000/ton
- The global market faced volatility across chocolate, coffee, and spices
Because the company sources from Latin America and works closely with co-ops, they avoided the worst disruptions.
“We still pay a premium, but we have loyalty and long-term partnerships in place.”
Dark Chocolate Leads the Growth Story
The company doesn’t make milk chocolate. It leans entirely into the dark chocolate market—specifically its Blackout line, which includes a 100% cacao bar made in Switzerland.
- #1 in dark chocolate sales in U.S. natural retail
- #3 overall in the natural chocolate category
- Now expanding into mass grocery channels, as mainstream consumers seek organic, clean-label snacks
“We’ve partnered with Swiss makers who know how to pull the best out of cocoa beans.”
Expanding the Product Line: From Chocolate to Granola
The company recently launched a granola line—sourced from 100% regenerative oats. With more products in the pipeline, the team is scaling its regenerative model into adjacent snack categories.
“Alter Eco doesn’t mean chocolate. It means impact.”
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a chocolate company—it’s a regenerative brand. And for anyone in food and beverage navigating supply volatility, packaging shifts, and ethical sourcing demands, this episode delivers a grounded, proven approach.
“We believe in doing better—for the planet, for farmers, and for the people eating our chocolate.”
