AERO

Introduction

Aero is a brand that has captivated chocolate lovers since its inception, thanks to its innovative founders who aimed to create a unique chocolate experience. The brand was originally developed by Rowntree's, a company founded in the late 19th century in York, England. As part of Nestlé S.A., Aero quickly gained popularity for its distinctive texture and airy quality. The founders' commitment to quality and creativity laid the foundation for a brand that continues to evolve while maintaining its signature character.

At the core of Aero's philosophy is the idea of lightness and enjoyment. The brand believes that chocolate should not only be a treat but also an experience that lifts the spirit. This philosophy is embodied in its products, which aim to provide a moment of indulgence that feels effortless and enjoyable. The focus on creating a chocolate that feels like a delightful escape resonates with consumers, making Aero not just a snack but a shareable joy, suitable for various occasions.

What makes Aero special is its unique aerated texture, which sets it apart in the crowded chocolate market. The bubbles in Aero chocolate create a lighter experience that melts in your mouth, providing a different sensation compared to traditional chocolates. This innovative approach has allowed Aero to carve a niche for itself and build a loyal customer base that appreciates its distinct quality. Moreover, the branding encompasses a fun and playful essence that engages consumers of all ages, making Aero a beloved choice across generations.

Signature Products

Aero's product line epitomizes its commitment to lightness and enjoyment, creating delightful moments for those who indulge. The following signature products highlight the brand's distinctive qualities:

• Aero Bar : A classic chocolate bar filled with airy bubbles, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Aero Mint : Combines the signature lightness of Aero with refreshing mint flavor for a unique twist.
• Aero Bubbles : Smaller, shareable pieces that encapsulate the airy goodness of Aero in snacking form.
• Aero Mocha : A blend of chocolate and coffee flavors, perfect for coffee lovers seeking a light chocolate fix.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Aero

• Milk : Milk is a versatile ingredient known for its creamy texture and nutritional benefits. In Aeroused products, it is used to enhance the flavor profile and provide moisture, contributing to a smoother mouthfeel in food items. The choice of milk allows for a rich and satisfying experience for consumers.
• Orange : Oranges are a popular fruit high in vitamin C and known for their refreshing flavor. Aeroused utilizes orange to add a zesty and vibrant taste to their offerings, appealing to those who enjoy citrus flavors. This ingredient also complements other flavors, providing a balance in sweetness and acidity.
• Salt : Salt is a fundamental ingredient used to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. In Aeroused products, salt helps to elevate sweetness and balance flavors, making the overall taste more complex and enjoyable. The use of salt is essential in creating depth in both sweet and savory formulations.
• Sugar : Sugar is a key ingredient that provides sweetness and texture. In Aeroused, sugar is used to create products that cater to consumers seeking indulgence and satisfaction. Its role extends beyond flavor; sugar also impacts the texture and structure, particularly in baked goods.
• Cocoa : Cocoa is derived from cacao beans and is renowned for its rich flavor and versatility in desserts. Aeroused incorporates cocoa to create a chocolatey experience that appeals to chocolate lovers. This ingredient also contributes to the visual appeal of products, enhancing their overall desirability.
• Egg : Eggs are a valuable ingredient in cooking and baking, known for their binding and leavening properties. Aeroused uses eggs in their formulations to provide structure and stability, especially in baked goods. This choice enhances the texture and moisture, resulting in a richer final product.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Aero

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Milk):

Milk production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, which is emitted by cows during digestion. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a far greater heat-trapping potential than carbon dioxide. The dairy industry contributes to approximately 4% of global human-related greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the production of milk also requires significant energy, primarily for processing and transportation, further contributing to carbon footprints. For instance, in countries like New Zealand, dairy farming is one of the highest contributors to national greenhouse gas emissions due to the enteric fermentation in ruminants like cows.

Water Usage (Milk, Orange):

Both milk and orange production are water-intensive processes. For milk, water is consumed extensively in feed crop production, animal hydration, and cleaning processes. In California, a leading dairy state in the U.S., farmers are increasingly challenged by water scarcity due to prolonged droughts. Similarly, orange cultivation requires a substantial amount of water, particularly in areas prone to water scarcity, such as Spain and California. The irrigation necessary for orange trees can exacerbate regional water shortages and affect local communities and ecosystems.

Land Degradation (Milk, Sugar, Cocoa):

Land devoted to dairy cows can suffer significant degradation from overgrazing, which reduces soil fertility and contributes to erosion. Similarly, sugar and cocoa production have been linked to extensive land use changes. For example, sugarcane cultivation can lead to soil erosion and nutrient depletion, while cocoa farming in West Africa often involves clearing forests, leading to significant negative impacts on soil health and local biodiversity. These land use practices often strip landscapes of their natural fertility and biodiversity.

Pesticide Use (Orange):

Oranges are frequently grown using pesticides to protect against pests and disease. The use of chemical pesticides not only affects the health of farmworkers but can also lead to local soil and water pollution, harming non-target species and biodiversity. The heavy use of pesticides in the citrus industry has led to environmental concerns in major orange-producing regions like Florida, where runoff has contributed to waterway pollution and habitat destruction.

Deforestation (Sugar, Cocoa):

Sugar and cocoa are two major agricultural commodities driving deforestation, particularly in tropical areas. Sugarcane plantations have replaced forests in countries like Brazil, while cocoa farming is responsible for significant deforestation in countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. This deforestation results in the loss of critical habitats for countless species and contributes to climate change due to the loss of carbon-storing trees. Deforestation also disrupts rainfall patterns and soil health, further impacting agricultural productivity.

Labor Exploitation (Sugar, Cocoa):

Both the sugar and cocoa industries are fraught with labor exploitation issues, ranging from poor working conditions to the use of child labor. In sugar plantations across nations like Brazil and India, workers often endure long hours with minimal pay in hazardous conditions. Similarly, the cocoa industry in West Africa is notorious for child labor, with thousands of children working in dangerous conditions. The exploitation in these sectors raises significant ethical and social concerns, highlighting the need for better labor regulations and fair trade practices.

Animal Welfare (Milk, Egg):

The production of both milk and eggs raises significant animal welfare concerns. In dairy farming, issues such as the living conditions of cows, the separation of calves from mothers, and the physical burden on cows to produce high milk yields are prominent. In egg production, especially in intensive systems, hens often suffer in confined spaces with minimal opportunities for natural behaviors. These conditions have been criticized by animal welfare advocates and are subject to increasing scrutiny and regulation.