Döhler acquires Nukoko to expand cocoa-free chocolate alternatives
The acquisition strengthens Döhler’s portfolio with fava bean-based cocoa-free solutions designed to address supply volatility and growing demand for sustainable ingredients.
UK – Döhler has announced the acquisition of UK-based technology company Nukoko, strengthening its capabilities in cocoa-free chocolate alternative solutions as the food ingredients company seeks to address cocoa supply volatility, rising costs and increasing demand for sustainable ingredients.
The acquisition combines Döhler’s broad portfolio of plant-based ingredients with Nukoko’s advanced biotechnology platform, which has developed cocoa-free chocolate alternatives using fava beans as the primary raw material.
According to the company, the technology brings together biotechnology specialists, cocoa experts and process engineers, combining advanced biotechnology with traditional cocoa processing and craft techniques to create ingredients designed to deliver a strong sensory experience without relying on cocoa.
Fava beans form the foundation of Nukoko’s approach. Döhler said the crop offers a secure and scalable alternative due to its resilience, ability to be cultivated in Europe and access to a stable global supply.
The acquisition is expected to enhance Döhler’s ability to provide customers with innovative solutions across multiple food categories. From August 2026, samples are scheduled to become available for applications including confectionery, bakery products, cereals, ice cream, coatings and fillings.
The company said the combination of Nukoko’s technology platform and Döhler’s expertise in flavours and ingredients will help manufacturers develop cocoa-free concepts while maintaining taste, texture and processing performance.
“By bringing Nukoko into the Döhler Group, we are addressing one of the category’s biggest challenges: delivering great-tasting, scalable cocoa-free alternatives that help reduce exposure to volatile cocoa markets,” said Kerstin Bergander-Kleinert, Head of BU CNP at Döhler.
“Supported by Döhler’s global ingredient, R&D and application expertise, we can help customers create resilient, future-oriented product concepts without compromising sensory experience,” she added.
Döhler said the integration reflects its strategy of combining natural ingredients, biotechnology and customer collaboration to accelerate product development and support manufacturers with market-ready concepts.
Nukoko founders Kit Tomlinson and Ross Newton welcomed the transaction, highlighting the opportunities created by Döhler’s global reach.
“Nukoko’s technology now has the platform to be delivered at scale around the world,” they said. “It is incredibly exciting to join the Döhler team. With its global reach and trusted industry expertise, we can create unique solutions that do not currently exist on the market.”
The companies said they will work closely with customers to develop commercially scalable solutions that offer supply chain resilience and formulation flexibility while accelerating innovation in cocoa-free chocolate alternatives.
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