Döhler’s Nukoko acquisition accelerates cocoa‑free chocolate
Döhler’s acquisition of UK tech company Nukoko marks a leap into the fast‑emerging world of cocoa‑free chocolate alternatives, giving the ingredients giant a proprietary biotechnology platform at a moment when the global cocoa supply chain is under unprecedented pressure.
The deal is designed to strengthen Döhler’s ability to help manufacturers navigate volatile cocoa prices, tightening supply, and growing sustainability expectations, while opening new formulation possibilities across multiple categories.
At the heart of the acquisition is Nukoko’s fava‑bean‑based chocolate alternative, developed using a patent‑pending process that blends advanced biotechnology, traditional cocoa processing, and craft chocolate techniques.
The result is a cocoa‑free ingredient designed to deliver the taste, aroma and sensory experience of chocolate without relying on cocoa as the primary raw material. As the press release notes, “its technology platform… creates chocolate alternative ingredients designed to deliver a strong sensory experience without relying on cocoa as the core raw material.”
Why Döhler is entering this space
The acquisition is a direct response to three converging industry pressures:
- Cocoa supply volatility — extreme weather, disease pressure and geopolitical disruption have pushed cocoa prices to record highs.
- Cost pressure for manufacturers — chocolate producers are seeking ways to stabilise input costs without compromising quality.
- Sustainability demands — brands are under pressure to reduce deforestation, emissions and reliance on fragile tropical supply chains.
Nukoko’s fava‑bean approach offers a European‑grown, resilient, scalable crop with a secure supply chain. As Döhler states, “the fava bean… offers a strong foundation for scalable, next‑generation chocolate alternative solutions.”
For Döhler, the acquisition strengthens its position as a technology‑driven natural ingredients provider, adding a new pillar to its plant‑based portfolio and aligning with its long‑term sustainability commitments.
Döhler sees the deal as a way to:
- Accelerate innovation in cocoa‑free chocolate alternatives
- Scale Nukoko’s technology globally through its 50+ production sites and 75 application centres
- Bring new value to customers through integrated ingredient systems
- Move faster from concept to commercialisation via its global innovation platform
Kerstin Bergander‑Kleinert, head of BU CNP, frames the acquisition as a solution to one of the industry’s biggest challenges: “delivering great‑tasting, scalable cocoa‑free alternatives that help reduce exposure to volatile cocoa markets.”
From August 2026, customers will gain access to application‑ready samples across:
- Chocolate alternatives — cocoa‑free bars, chips and inclusions
- Bakery and cereals — chocolate‑style flavours and textures
- Ice cream, coatings and fillings — indulgent formats where melt, viscosity and processing matter
By combining Nukoko’s technology with Döhler’s flavour, colour, plant‑based and application expertise, manufacturers can expect greater formulation flexibility, more resilient supply chains, lower exposure to cocoa price shocks plus new product concepts not possible with traditional cocoa.
Nukoko’s founders emphasise the scale‑up potential: “Nukoko’s technology now has the platform to be delivered at scale around the world.”
A new era for cocoa‑free innovation
Together, Döhler and Nukoko aim to build a new generation of chocolate alternatives that are sustainable, cost‑stable, and sensory‑led, helping brands future‑proof their portfolios while meeting consumer expectations for taste and environmental responsibility.
