Saudi foodtech startup Calo is officially going global! The company has announced its expansion into the United Kingdom by acquiring two well-known local meal delivery brands: Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen, according to a report by The Grocer.
This move marks Calo’s first international step outside the GCC, setting the stage for even bigger things to come. Founded in 2019 in Bahrain, Calo has quickly taken over the Middle East, with operations across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar — delivering a whopping 10 million meals in 2024 alone!
A Major Step for MENA Startups
Only a few Middle Eastern startups, like Floward (the flower and gift delivery platform), have expanded into the UK before. Calo now joins that elite group, proving that the MENA region’s startups are ready to play on a global stage.
This expansion follows Calo’s impressive $25 million Series B funding round earlier this year, led by Nuwa Capital, with support from STV and Khwarizmi Ventures. The company was reportedly valued at $250 million at the time — and clearly, they’re putting that capital to work!
What’s Next for Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen?
Here’s what customers can expect:
- ✅ Fresh Fitness Food customers will transition to Calo’s platform starting in May.
- ✅ Detox Kitchen customers are already making the switch this month.
Calo promises a seamless experience, with customers moved onto similar meal plans to make the change as smooth as possible.
Caspar Rose, Calo’s new UK General Manager (and former CEO of Fresh Fitness Food), called this acquisition “not just consolidation — it’s an evolution.” While Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen catered to niche audiences, Calo’s mission is much broader: making healthy eating easy, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
Calo’s Game Plan for the UK
In the UK, Calo will offer its popular customizable, ready-to-eat meals starting at £11 per day.
Meals will be:
- ✅ Prepared daily in a London kitchen
- ✅ Delivered within London using Calo’s own fleet
- ✅ Shipped across the country via DPD
Calo is also exploring setting up its own nationwide delivery network for even faster service!
Founder and CEO Ahmed Alrawi said, “The UK is a key market for us. Integrating Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen strengthens our foundation with two highly respected brands that share Calo’s vision.”
Eyes on Europe and the USA
And Calo isn’t stopping here. After the UK launch, the startup plans to expand further into Europe and the United States, continuing its mission to become one of the world’s leading healthy food brands.
With a $100M+ annualized revenue run rate and a five-year CAGR of 100%, Calo is definitely one to watch!