US-based Birmingham Chocolate moves to acquire Macalat premium brand

A key acquisition has been confirmed by US artisan manufacturer Birmingham Chocolate, based in Michigan, which has confirmed the purchase of fast-rising confectionery brand, Macalat, writes Neill Barston.

According to the business, its expansion move has been made in a bid to expand its dark chocolate offering, with the newly gained enterprise able to deliver sugar-free product options.

According to Birmingham, the strategic acquisition aligns with its commitment to flavour innovation and offers a unique opportunity to expand its portfolio of premium dark chocolate products.

“Macalat has created a truly new category in chocolate: certified organic, sugar-free, sweet dark chocolate,” said Doug Cale, CEO of Birmingham Chocolate. “This innovative 70% cacao bar blends flavourful superfoods like lucuma and Madagascar vanilla, and is completely sugar-free and remarkably bitter-free — thanks in part to a groundbreaking application of mushroom mycelium from MycoTechnology, which helps eliminate bitterness.

“The result is a smooth, rich chocolate experience that lets the superfood cacao shine, without the harsh aftertaste common in traditional dark chocolate. In my view, this is the most exciting innovation in chocolate since Hershey introduced milk chocolate. With the strong support of loyal grassroots consumers, we’re ready to take this category to the next level.”

Macalat recently achieved significant organic trade recognition by winning the Nexty Award for its innovative recipe and flavor profile, solidifying its position as the leader in the new category of the organic health-conscious chocolate market. This accolade highlights the brand’s success in both quality and innovation.

In June, Birmingham Chocolate plans to introduce new Macalat line extensions in bar format using the original Macalat couverture chocolate:

Original: The original Macalat sweet dark chocolate recipe. Beans are Peruvian Criollo and Forestero. Peruvian Cacao is known for its rich, chocolatey flavour and superior quality, making it the key ingredient in some of the world’s finest chocolate products.
Quinoa: A complete protein superfood, puffed quinoa adds a delightful crunch to each bite of original Macalat chocolate.
Raspberry: A delightful dusting of delicate raspberry notes, bursting in flavor, dispersed in original Macalat sweet dark chocolate.

Additionally, Macalat treats will soon be offered in resealable stand-up pouches, featuring: Macalat Bark Thins with crunchy popped quinoa. There will also be a mango option, as well as a variety with dates, developed with texture Medjool dates enrobed in Macalat sweet dark chocolate, offering a naturally succulent sweet, low glycemic option.

Cale added” “Each new treat is crafted with just one standout organic ingredient—no sub-ingredients, no preservatives, no artificial colour or flavour. We use Macalat’s sweet dark couverture chocolate to enrobe each bite. The idea is to keep the ingredient list clean and simple: just Macalat and one delicious organic ingredient that complements it and adds a bit of fun.”