In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, host Patrick J. McGinnis sits down with Courtenay Vuchnich, co-founder of LOVO Chocolate, to explore how a passion for creativity and connection led to the creation of the first dairy-free milk chocolate bars made from plant milk. Courtenay shares her journey from crafting custom puppet shows at age eleven to launching LOVO, a game-changing line of Swiss-made chocolates that cater to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives. With insights into brand creation, consumer psychology, and the challenges of breaking into big retail, this episode is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs and chocolate lovers alike. Whether you’re interested in the intricacies of starting a business, the future of plant-based products, or simply love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how Lovo is redefining the chocolate market, one bar at a time.
Meet our guest:
In 2013, Canadian husband-and-wife team Simon Lester and Courtenay Vuchnich launched Pascha, an allergen-free chocolate brand.
While Pascha’s products are all vegan-friendly, the range only contains dark chocolate. Now, Lester and Vuchnich have set out to offer an alternative to milk chocolate with their new Swiss-made chocolate brand, LOVO.
After some unsuccessful experimentation, LOVO’s founders decided to turn to the plant milks that are most popular with consumers — oat, almond, coconut, and hazelnut. While other manufacturers had thought the flavors of these milk would be off-putting, LOVO recognized that consumers already enjoy these flavors in hot drinks and on cereal. The brand decided to make the taste a selling point rather than a downside.
To achieve the best possible results, LOVO partnered with a Switzerland-based manufacturer that has expertise in premium milk chocolate. The outcome is four varieties of creamy plant-based milk chocolate, which will first launch online before eventually rolling out at retail stores.
Visit their website: https://lovochocolate.com/
For media and speaking requests, and to suggest a guest for the show, please email letsconnect@patrickmcginnis.com.
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