UK-based vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw has been featured in the FT 1000, the Financial Times’ annual ranking of Europe’s fastest-growing companies compiled in collaboration with Statista.
LoveRaw has been included after growing its CAGR by 61% from 2019 to 2021, despite a challenging economic environment. The brand offers four popular chocolate ranges — Cre&m Wafer Bars, Peanut Butter Cups, Nutty Choc Balls, and the Peanut Caramel Bar. The products are available at major retailers such as Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Ocado, Co-op, and Whole Foods Market.
“Being recognized and ranked in the FT 1000 marks a pinnacle moment in our journey, a testament to the remarkable dedication and innovation of our team, both past and present,” said Rimi Thapar, co-founder and CEO of LoveRaw.
Tesco accelerator program
LoveRaw has also just been announced as one of the first businesses to join the Tesco Accelerator Programme. The brand, which is a certified B Corp, has been selected to feed into the retailer’s sustainability-focused emerging product trends strategy.
The program will allow LoveRaw to build on its existing relationship with Tesco. Last year, the brand’s Peanut Caramel Bar launched as part of Tesco’s lunchtime Meal Deal at 1800 stores, while its Milk Choc Cre&m Wafer Multipack launched in the confectionery aisle. The Cre&m Wafer Bar has also been available in the Meal Deal for some time.
Innovation and taste
LoveRaw has been highly successful in the past six months, launching at SPAR stores internationally after being accepted into the retailer’s Challenger Brand program. In November, the brand secured its first airline listing, becoming available on all Virgin Atlantic flights.
Later that month, LoveRaw announced listings at 250 Albert Heijn stores and 150 Shell locations across the Netherlands, marking its first nationwide listing outside the UK. The brand also exports to the UAE and Australia.
“As a plant-based chocolate company, the two most important factors when launching a product are innovation and taste,” said Rimi Thapar. “Our goal has always been to make plant-based chocolate more widely available, and not only for vegan consumers — a large proportion of our customers are flexitarian too. This proves the concept that our chocolate tastes just as good, if not superior to dairy chocolate.”
