German chocolate producer Alfred Ritter has acquired Creative Natural Products, the company behind the Chocolove brand. This strategic move aims to enhance Ritter’s footprint in the food and beverage industry trends, particularly within the US market.
Although the financial details of the transaction remain confidential, it marks a significant step for Alfred Ritter. The company has established a local subsidiary for the Ritter Sport brand in the US, which commenced operations at the beginning of 2024.
Ralf Hilpüsch, CEO of Ritter Sport USA, emphasized that this acquisition is a vital stride toward solidifying a robust presence in the competitive food and drink business. He stated, “Together, our brands are positioned to deliver greater impact, more choice, and enhanced value to the US market than ever before.”
Creative Natural Products, based in Boulder, Colorado, will continue to manufacture Chocolove products at its existing facility. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Waldenbuch, Germany, Alfred Ritter also operates a second production facility in Breitenbrunn, Austria, along with subsidiaries in significant overseas markets.
The acquisition is set to offer expanded opportunities for the Chocolove brand, now integrated into Ritter Sport USA, while ensuring continuity for existing customers, partners, and the workforce.
Timothy Moley, founder and CEO of Creative Natural Products, highlighted the shared commitment to ethical chocolate production, saying, “Ritter Sport shares our deep commitment to crafting chocolate with integrity. Together, we can reach more consumers, accelerate growth, and further strengthen ethical and sustainable practices.”
Earlier this year, Alfred Ritter expressed its intention to replicate its success in the UK within the US. The company reported having achieved comprehensive listings in the competitive British market and is setting “similarly ambitious goals” for its US operations.
To bolster its market presence, Alfred Ritter has initiated a new distribution strategy aimed at increasing the availability of the Ritter Sport brand through major retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, and Ahold. CEO Andreas Ronken stated, “We want to have achieved a leading market position there [US] within five to six years and be among the top five.”
Employing around 1,900 individuals, Alfred Ritter reported sales of €605 million in 2024, reflecting its ongoing commitment to growth and adaptability in evolving food and drink consumer trends.
As the market dynamics shift, this acquisition positions Alfred Ritter to be a significant player in the chocolate sector, providing a wide array of products that meet consumer demands.
