Love Cocoa Acquired By Made Uncommon In Latest Chocolate Sector Move In Europe
In a notable consolidation within the United Kingdom’s chocolate sector, Love Cocoa, the premium chocolate brand founded by James Cadbury, has been acquired by Made Uncommon. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded by a descendant of the iconic Cadbury family, Love Cocoa has positioned itself as a high-quality, ethically minded chocolate brand in a market dominated by longstanding household names.
The buyer, Made Uncommon, is a newly formed “House of Brands” launched in October 2025. Despite its infancy, the company already houses several direct-to-consumer (DTC) chocolate brands, including Up-Up Chocolate, Coco Chocolatier, and Seed and Bean which was acquired last month. The acquisition of Love Cocoa represents one of the first major expansions for Made Uncommon, signaling an ambition to consolidate niche and premium chocolate offerings under a single umbrella.
This transaction aligns with a broader pattern of mergers and acquisitions in the chocolate sector this year. In the United States, Chocolate Works acquired Thompson Chocolate, a Meriden-based specialist in foil-wrapped novelty chocolates, leveraging Thompson’s unique production capabilities. Similarly, European activity includes Ferrero’s acquisition of WK Kellogg, and ChocAmore’s sale to BonBon’s Wholesale Ltd. In France, a Ferrara Candy Company holding has entered discussions to acquire the CPK Group, a manufacturer of well-known candies and chocolates, while German confectionery group Windel has acquired The Chocolate Family, a Belgian high-end praline business.
Within the UK market, competition remains concentrated. Cadbury continues as the sector leader, followed by Lindt and Kinder, with a scattering of other global and local brands contributing smaller shares. While mass-market brands dominate overall sales, the direct-to-consumer channel shows a distinct hierarchy. Hotel Chocolat leads in DTC, with nearly three-quarters of the channel, followed by Lindt and several smaller premium brands including Leonidas, Venchi, and Läderach, reflecting a growing niche market for high-end chocolate delivered directly to consumers.
The acquisition of Love Cocoa by Made Uncommon reflects strategic positioning within both the mass and DTC segments, leveraging the heritage of a well-known family brand while expanding a portfolio of modern, digitally native chocolate labels.
Market And Brand Observations
Brand positioning: Love Cocoa operates as a premium ethical DTC chocolate brand in the UK. Its acquisition by Made Uncommon places it alongside DTC-focused brands such as Up-Up Chocolate and Coco Chocolatier.
Rival brand activity: Cadbury and Lindt maintain leading positions across retail channels; DTC brands such as Hotel Chocolat as well as omnichannel powerhouse Lindt are top players in the DTC channel.
Industry Trends And Themes
Mergers and acquisitions: Consolidation continues across global chocolate markets, with transactions such as Love Cocoa’s acquisition by Made Uncommon, Brambel Foods acquiring UK chocolatier Whitakers Chocolates, Ferrero acquiring WK Kellogg, and Chocolate Works acquiring Thompson Chocolate. These moves reflect both strategic expansion and portfolio diversification, as well as strategic moves in response to shifting consumer tastes and rising cocoa prices.
Global retail expansion: Physical retail is expanding internationally with DTC brands such as Lindt, Läderach, Hotel Chocolat, Lakrids by Bülow, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory opening flagship stores across Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania. Examples include Läderach in Hong Kong SAR, UK, and Turkey, Lindt in Vienna and Milan, and Lakrids by Bülow across Austria and Germany.
Flagship and experience stores: Premium DTC chocolate brands are investing in experiential retail. Lindt’s UK and Italian stores, Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser cafés, and M&M’s travel retail shops incorporate interactive experiences, tastings, and immersive environments to engage consumers beyond product purchase.
International market entry and diversification: Many premium DTC brands are entering new markets, reflecting global growth ambitions. Läderach has opened stores in Japan, Egypt, Turkey, and the US; Venchi launched in Kuwait; Beryl’s expanded with their first store in East Malaysia. Such expansion targets both luxury consumers and emerging chocolate markets.