Bahraini startup Calo steps outside the GCC with UK expansion

In a move that's turning heads in the foodtech world, Bahrain-born startup Calo just made its grand entrance into the UK by scooping up two of Britain's beloved healthy meal delivery brands — Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen. This marks Calo's first foray beyond the warm sands of the GCC and into the drizzle-drenched streets of London, and it's doing it with style.

"The UK is a key market for us," said Calo founder and CEO Ahmed Alrawi. And judging by their confident stride, it's more than just business — it's a statement.

How does it work?

At its heart, Calo isn't just another meal delivery service. It's like having a personal chef who knows your macros better than you do.

• Customers sign up for personalized meal plans tailored to their fitness goals and dietary quirks.
• Behind the scenes? AI works its magic, cooking up menus that balance health, taste, and convenience.
• Meals are delivered daily, fresh and ready to fuel your hustle — whether you're pumping iron or powering through spreadsheets.

By bringing Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen under its wing, Calo is making sure UK customers get a seamless switch with meal plans that feel familiar, yet dialed-up.

Why does it matter?

This isn't just a business expansion — it's Calo putting its fork on the global map.

• Healthy eating isn't a fad; it's a movement.
• By tailoring meals with AI, Calo's tapping into the growing appetite for personalized nutrition.
• UK consumers, already familiar with Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen, now get access to Calo's tech-driven spin on wellness cuisine.

In Alrawi's words, "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." That mission? To help people eat better, feel better, and perform better.

The context

Founded in 2019 by Ahmed Alrawi and Moayed Almoayed in Bahrain, Calo took off fast. With operations already humming across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, the startup had bigger plates to fill. A $25 million Series B raise in late 2024, backed by the likes of Nuwa Capital, STV, and Khwarizmi Ventures, was the fuel it needed.

• The UK, with its timezone sync, cultural overlap, and shared language, was a natural next stop.
• The acquisition route wasn't just savvy — it was strategic.
• IPO whispers in Saudi Arabia are already floating around, with a target date set for 2027.

By blending local know-how with its tech-first approach, Calo is laying the groundwork for a broader global presence — Europe and the US are already in its sights. Exciting times ahead...