Freyabadi shifts to plant-based and natural flavours amidst APAC health demand

The Indonesian manufacturer runs three factories across two countries and is developing salted caramel and strawberry yogurt variants.

Freyabadi Indotama is adjusting its chocolate portfolio in Asia-Pacific as buyers ask for healthier products, plant-based ingredients and natural flavours.

Speaking in an interview during the Thailand Food Exhibition 2026, Nova Yanti Simangunsong, Export Sales Manager at Freyabadi Indotama, said the Indonesia-based company sells chocolate products under the Tulip and Embassy brands. It operates two factories in Indonesia and one in Thailand.

Freyabadi offers products ranging from compound chocolate to real chocolate made with cocoa butter and cocoa mass. The company serves hotel, restaurant and catering clients, as well as industrial customers.

Yanti said APAC’s chocolate market has become more varied, with customers increasingly asking for products that go beyond standard sweet flavours. In response, Freyabadi is developing plant-based chocolate that replaces dairy milk with plant protein.

The company is also working with its research and development team on natural flavours and colouring. New flavours under development include salted caramel and strawberry yoghurt.

The shift reflects pressure on chocolate suppliers to adapt to consumers who still want indulgent products but are becoming more selective about ingredients. For manufacturers, that means offering cleaner-label options without losing the taste and functionality expected by foodservice and industrial buyers.

Yanti said Freyabadi is also considering factory expansion in Asia, though the company has not disclosed the target country. The plan reflects expectations that chocolate consumption in the region can still grow.

For Freyabadi, the challenge is turning healthier formulations and flavour innovation into repeat orders across APAC markets with different tastes, price points and buyer requirements.