• Bahraini foodtech startup Calo expands into the UK by acquiring Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen to fuel international growth.
• The UK was selected for its market potential and to strengthen Calo’s presence beyond the GCC region.
• The acquisition strengthens Calo’s foundation in the UK, integrating two respected brands aligned with its mission.

Calo

What happened? Bahraini foodtech startup, Calo, has expanded into the UK with the acquisition of UK-based meal delivery brands Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen.

Why the UK? This marks its first international move beyond the GCC, aiming to build on its growth in the Middle East. The company stated that the UK was the logical first market outside of MENA due to time zone alignment, shared language and strong cultural fit. 

“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.”

Additionally, Calo aims to further expand internationally into Europe and the United States. 

Foodtech

Who are they? Calo is a Bahraini foodtech startup focused on health meal deliveries. Furthermore, it  uses AI to tailor meal plans to individual fitness goals and dietary preferences. It was founded in 2019 in Bahrain and has since expanded its operations into Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar. 

Acquisition Detox Kitchen will be integrated into Calo this month while Fresh Fitness Food will be integrated in May. Furthermore, customers will be transitioned into Calo with similar meal plans aiming to ensure continuity.

With the acquisition, the startup aims to serve a broader customer base, offer healthy, customizable meals to be delivered daily. 

It is worth noting that at the end of December 2024,  Calo secured USD 25 million Series B funding round led by Nuwa Capital. In addition, to STV, Khawirzimi Ventures and regional family offices. With the funding, they were planning to expand internationally through mergers and acquisition.