Ritter Sport Deepens U.S. Premium Chocolate Presence With Chocolove Acquisition
Ritter Sport has moved decisively to strengthen its presence in the United States by acquiring Creative Natural Products, Inc., the Boulder-based maker of Chocolove. The deal brings the well-established premium chocolate brand under the newly created Ritter Sport U.S. subsidiary, marking one of the German chocolate maker’s most assertive North American expansion steps to date.
Chocolove, known for its premium positioning and focus on ethically sourced ingredients, has built a loyal U.S. consumer base over several decades. The brand sits firmly within the craft-leaning tier of the chocolate category and reaches shoppers through natural, specialty, and mainstream retail channels. Ritter Sport, which also holds a modest share of the U.S. chocolate market, operates in a similar price band and competes within the same premium segment. The acquisition unites two brands with comparable market weight and parallel consumer appeal. By integrating Chocolove into its newly formed U.S. subsidiary, Ritter Sport gains domestic production capabilities, closer supply chain control, and stronger retail access—advantages it did not previously have at scale, despite already being a familiar name to American consumers.
The acquisition comes amid a steady stream of deal-making in the chocolate and confectionery sector this year. Activity has spanned the U.S., UK, and Europe, involving both long-established manufacturers and a small number of newer portfolio-style groups. In the U.S., Chocolate Works’ purchase of Thompson Chocolate highlighted the value placed on specialised capabilities such as foil-wrapped novelty production. In Europe, Ferrero advanced its expansion efforts through multiple transactions, while BonBon’s Wholesale in the UK broadened its reach with the addition of ChocAmor.
Market Context
Ritter Sport and Chocolove: Both operate within the premium chocolate tier, emphasizing ingredients and brand storytelling. Ritter Sport’s acquisition aligns it with a U.S. brand already recognized for quality-centric positioning and sustainability messaging.
Other U.S. rivals: The U.S. chocolate market is largely dominated by domestic brands with deep heritage and widespread consumer recognition. Companies such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Dove, KitKat (U.S.-produced), and Russell Stover control the majority of mainstream retail channels, supported by established seasonal lines and broad distribution. Imported or globally owned brands, including Lindt, Ghirardelli, Ferrero, and Kinder, occupy smaller, often premium-focused niches within the market, typically targeting gifting segments, specialty stores, or higher-end retail formats. This domestic-heavy landscape sets the context for smaller U.S. premium brands like Chocolove and imported brands such as Ritter Sport, which operate in parallel but more modestly scaled positions.
Industry Trends And Themes In M&A Activity Worldwide
Premiumisation of everyday chocolate: Consumers increasingly trade up from mass-market tablets to bars with higher cocoa content, ethical sourcing claims, and interesting flavour profiles. Chocolove’s single-origin and organic focus aligns perfectly with Ritter Sport’s existing “sustainable cocoa” messaging.
Acquisitions targeted at production expertise: Buyers are targeting limited U.S. capabilities; for instance, Thompson Chocolate was purchased for its unique foil-wrapping know-how, and Chocolove was acquired by Ritter Sport for its established natural and organic premium-bar production in Boulder, Colorado.
European brands building direct US presence through acquisition and retail scaling: Ritter Sport has deepened its U.S. presence via its acquisition of Chocolove and the formation of a dedicated US subsidiary for localized production and distribution; similarly, we see European chocolate giants like Venchi and Laderach adding multiple U.S. locations this year.