Plenish, the UK’s fastest-growing dairy alternatives brand, is expanding into flavoured m*lks with the launch of its new Dark Cocoa and Sea Salt Almond Drink. Combining rich dark cocoa depth with soft almond nuttiness and a velvety-smooth finish, the cocoa beans have been sourced in partnership with Tony’s Open Chain. Plenish’s Dark Cocoa and Sea Salt Almond Drink will be available to purchase via Ocado and at plenishdrinks.com, RRP from £2.50.
The launch responds to the growing flavoured m*lk market which is now worth £19.2m, and is growing +12% year-on-year ahead of the unflavoured market. As sugar content has become a leading health concern for consumers, with 23% looking to reduce sugar from their diets, Plenish’s Dark Cocoa and Sea Salt Almond Drink looks to cater to this demand with 30% less sugar compared to most UK chocolate flavour plant-based drinks. The lower sugar content makes it perfect for consumers looking for more ways to enjoy flavoured m*lks while avoiding additives, oils, and artificial ingredients.
In line with Plenish’s commitment to ingredient transparency, the brand has partnered with Tony’s Open Chain, whose farmer-first approach to cocoa sourcing prioritises human rights and environmental protection. Working with cocoa operatives in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, Tony’s Open Chain aims to address structural inequality and poverty in these communities, while building more equitable relationships with farmers.
Russell Goldman, managing director of Breakthrough Brands at Carlsberg Britvic, says: “We know today’s consumers are increasingly looking for ways to enjoy their favourite treats while also maintaining their health goals. That’s why we wanted to take our first step into flavoured m*lks and create a product that on great taste whilst staying true to our minimal ingredient promise. We’re proud to partner with Tony’s Open Chain to offer consumers something genuinely delicious that’s also thoughtfully made.”
Kitty Pandya, partnerships manager at Tony’s Open Chain, said about the launch: “What excites us most about Plenish joining Tony’s Open Chain is what it means for cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. No single company can fix the broken cocoa system alone, and that’s exactly why Tony’s Open Chain exists. The more companies that commit to traceability and higher prices for farmers, the louder the message becomes: change is not just possible, it’s already happening. We are delighted to welcome Plenish to Tony’s Open Chain as a Mission Ally.”
