THE JAPAN NEWS – Major confectionery maker Meiji Holdings Co launched a brand of home goods made of cacao husks, the inedible shells of the cocoa fruit not used when chocolate is made.
The Cacao Style brand includes eight products, such as accessory cases, paper-cup holders and flower vases. The products are characterised by the sweet aroma of chocolate.
About 500,000 tonnes of cacao husks are generated annually worldwide. The husks are removed during the process to manufacture chocolate. They were previously used only as animal feed or fuel, among other purposes.
“We want to create a system that will enrich both our customers and workers in the cacao industry,” said Chief Operating Officer of Meiji’s food segment Katsunari Matsuda.
