Calo, a Bahraini foodtech startup, has entered the UK market by acquiring Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen, two UK-based meal delivery companies.
In an effort to expand on its success in the Middle East, this is its first international move outside of the GCC. The business claimed that because of time zone alignment, a common language, and a strong cultural fit, the UK was the logical first market outside of MENA.
“The UK is a key market for us,” said Ahmed Alrawi, Calo’s founder and CEO, in comments shared by The Grocer. “The integration of Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen strengthens our foundation in the UK with two highly respected brands whose values align perfectly with Calo’s mission.”
Calo also hopes to increase its global presence by entering the US and Europe.
A foodtech company based in Bahrain called Calo specializes in delivering nutritious meals. Additionally, it employs AI to customize meal plans based on dietary preferences and personal fitness objectives. It began operations in Bahrain in 2019 and has since spread to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar.
This month, Calo will incorporate Detox Kitchen, and in May, Fresh Fitness Food will do the same. In order to maintain continuity, we will also move clients to Calo with comparable meal plans.
Through the acquisition, the startup hopes to reach a wider audience and provide daily delivery of nutritious, personalized meals.
Notably, Calo closed a $25 million Series B funding round led by Nuwa Capital at the end of December 2024. They also had support from regional family offices, Khawirzimi Ventures, and STV. They intended to use the money for mergers and acquisitions in order to grow globally.
