The Bristol-based startup was created by cofounders and Godiva alums Joël Manuvelpillai and Damien Andre, who together have more than 30 years of experience in creating chocolate confectionery for the world’s biggest brands.
The mission-driven pair is taking on the UK’s heap of wasted bread. According to official figures, 44% of the bread made in the UK every year – about 900,000 tonnes or a million loaves a day – is dumped.
This – or at least some of it – will be repurposed by being toasted and tossed in with nuts and chocolate to create a tempting range of chocolate and nut clusters. The company is a member of the Upcycled Food Association.
"Goüter is our small way of helping the planet by using our chocolate know-how and rescued bread to make super-local and delicious snacks using the highest quality British chocolate and premium nuts,” said Manuvelpillai.
“Our first crowdfunding round will allow us to produce the first five cluster combinations – Hazelnut & Milk Chocolate; Almond & Dark Chocolate; Pecan & Caramel Chocolate; Caramel Hazelnut & Milk Chocolate; and Almond & White Chocolate.
“A full set of these cluster combinations will then be sent to everyone who invests, and we will ask for their feedback on each flavour combination. This input will help determine which combinations are taken forward to full scale production.”
‘Known for its environmental credentials’
Taking the gratifying concept further, the startup is embarking on a sustainable journey from the get-go.
Added Manuvelpillai, “Goüter clusters’ production will be plastic free from the start.
“We will not use the plastic moulds common in confectionery production, so clusters will come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The product will also be sold in paper pouches which will be plastic-free.
“The Goüter brand will be known for its environmental credentials. We will work continuously to improve every aspect of production, so it has the minimal possible impact on the environment.”
