iChoc wins the 2024 German Sustainability Award

[Bochum, November 2023] 23 years of pioneering work. Organic before organic became mainstream. Vegan before vegan was cool. And never making a song and dancing about it. Bochum- based company EcoFinia GmbH has won the 2024 German Sustainability Award with its chocolate brand iChoc. The prize was awarded for the company’s sustainable practices and heartfelt commitment to ethical business.

This year, in co-operation with the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Federal Environment Minister and other partners, the German Sustainability Award committee is once again distinguishing the most sustainable companies in Germany. Bochum-based EcoFinia GmbH - known for its internationally successful organic chocolate brands iChoc and VIVANI - was nominated as a finalist in the “Baked Goods & Confectionery” category and was able to secure the win despite strong competition from established pioneers in the organic sector.

“We are driven by our focus on sustainability and quality. This award serves as valuable recognition of our commitment. Andreas Meyer, founder and co-owner of EcoFinia GmbH, showed his gratitude for the award: “Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has supported us on our journey and to those who are honouring our work for a sustainable future with this award.” He continued: “I would especially like to thank my co-owner Cord Budde and the team at Weinrich chocolate factory, without whom it would not have been possible to sustainably source the raw materials. The sustainability department has been extremely committed to supporting us in our activities.”

With these remarks, Andreas Meyer is crowning the end of his career, as he will now be passing his lifework into the hands of his son Noel. Noel Meyer will receive the award at the award ceremony in Düsseldorf on 23rd November.

The team working with Andreas and Noel Meyer, and Managing Director Gerrit Wiezoreck, have been advocating for sustainable conditions in cocoa-growing regions for many years. They have also been working to combat child labour and, with the “Sustainable Organic Cocoa Project”, have established their own cocoa project for fair cacao and a healthy ecosystem in the Dominican Republic. “The aim is to make premium products with the best possible environmental standards accessible to the masses”, explains Andreas Meyer. “Organic products for everyone, for a better planet.”

Where is ICHOC chocolate produced?

The acclaimed Ludwig Weinrich GmbH & Co. KG is EcoFinia GmbH’s production partner and parent company. This family company is now in its fourth generation and is one of the oldest chocolate factories in Germany. It is here that ICHOC gourmet chocolates are produced, with a great deal of expertise and love for detail. Managing Director of Weinrich, Cord Budde, is co-partner of EcoFinia GmbH and has a share of up to 50% of the company.