‘Alt-choc’ firm Win-Win gains major Keylink distribution deal
Mark Golder, right of pic, recently joined Win-Win as its CEO, and spoke to Confectionery Production at ISM. Pic: Neill Barston
Forward-thinking British-based ‘alt-choc’ business, Win-Win, has taken a strong step forward in agreeing a distribution deal with the Keylink group, specialising in delivering ingredients to chocolatiers, chefs and bakers within the sector, writes Neill Barston.
The London-based cocoa alternative company has spent several years perfecting its commercial offering, which saw it claim honours at our World Confectionery Conference in 2022. (see plans for our 2026 edition of the event at the following link).
Since then, the firm has gone on to gain acclaim, and major backing through being part of a Mondelez business accelerator scheme focused on scaling-up emerging enterprises.
Confectionery Production met with Win-Win at this year’s ISM event in Cologne, in which recently-arrived CEO Mark Golder, revealed there had been plenty of interest in its series, with the company impressed by the array of innovation across more than 1,600 exhibitors at the show in Cologne. (See our next edition for more, and watch our video review of the overall event below).
As for its latest deal, Keylink distributes products fo premier chocolate manufacturers, and Win-Win will be the first and only cocoa-free chocolate alternative into its portfolio. It is set to stock a variety of Win-Win’s products, including Milk, Dark and White cocoa-free chocolate alternatives, available in 10kg Bags of ‘Easymelt Chips’ and Bakestable drops.
Moreover, as Win-Win noted, global chocolate category is facing significant long-term challenges. Climate volatility, crop disease and environmental pressures are impacting cocoa yields, driving price instability and creating supply shortages making the industry harder to future proof. Win-Win addresses these challenges by offering a delicious, ethical and sustainable alternative to conventional chocolate.
Win-Win’s award-winning range is made using abundant cereals and legumes (e.g. rice) as its base ingredient, instead of cocoa beans. Through a proprietary fermentation process designed to replicate the complex flavours of chocolate, and using traditional chocolate making techniques such as roasting, grinding, refining, and tempering, Win-Win transforms abundant, readily available and affordable ingredients into versatile cocoa-free chocolate alternatives that look, temper, bake, shine and snap just like conventional chocolate.
Mark Golder, CEO, Win-Win comments: “We all love chocolate, but with such complex and perpetual issues affecting the supply chain we need to look to alternative solutions now that will ensure consumers can still enjoy their favourite treats in the future. We’re delighted to partner with Keylink, to make our products easily accessible to customers looking for a delicious, easy-to-use range of sustainably sourced cocoa-free chocolate alternatives that deliver on taste, performance and reliability.”
Sharing his enthusiasm for the deal, Sanjeev Ramchandani, Managing Director of Keylink Ltd added: “The industry is rapidly changing and it’s important we support our customers in navigating these challenges, providing workable, alternative solutions where possible.”
“We’re proud to be the exclusive UK distribution partner for Win-Win. We believe Win-Win offers an exceptional product range, that is closer in taste to couverture than compound, is highly workable and easy to use, and supports long-term price stability and sustainability. We’re excited to welcome Win-Win to our portfolio and look forward to seeing how our customers innovate with these versatile alternatives.”
Notably, the company’ range of cocoa-free chocolate alternatives, including Milk, Dark and White variations, are now available to buy through Keylink Ltd. To mark the launch of the partnership, Keylink are also offering a 15% discount on the list price for six months until 31st July 2026.
