محمد يحي
- Calo Exits the UK Market Following Its International Expansion Beyond the Gulf
- The decision came months after the company entered the UK market through the acquisitions of Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen as part of its strategy to launch European operations and strengthen its global presence in the healthy food sector.
Calo, the technology-driven healthy meal subscription platform, has decided to cease its operations in the United Kingdom after just one year in the market, marking a setback for the company’s first international expansion outside the Gulf region.
The move comes months after Calo entered the UK through the acquisitions of British healthy meal providers Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen, a strategy that was initially viewed as the company’s gateway into Europe.
Founded in Bahrain in 2019 by Ahmed Alrawi and Moayed Almoayed, Calo selected the UK as its first expansion destination beyond the Middle East and North Africa, citing strong demand for healthy nutrition services and meal subscriptions, as well as similarities in consumer lifestyles.
From Expansion to Withdrawal
When Calo launched in the UK in April 2025, it aimed to establish itself as a global brand in the smart nutrition sector. The company leveraged its technology-driven model, which uses data and artificial intelligence to create personalized meal plans tailored to individual health and fitness goals.
The expansion followed a period of strong growth and fundraising, including a $25 million Series B funding round and subsequent capital injections that supported its international ambitions.
However, the UK market proved more challenging than anticipated. Intense competition, higher operational expenses, and complex logistics created significant hurdles for the company despite its successful growth across Gulf markets.
According to British media reports, Calo has already begun notifying customers about the discontinuation of its services, prompting reactions from users who praised the platform’s differentiated offering compared with traditional meal delivery services.
Global FoodTech Headwinds
Calo’s withdrawal reflects broader challenges facing the global FoodTech industry as companies navigate a post-pandemic environment marked by slower growth and increasing pressure on profitability.
Many meal subscription and food delivery businesses are struggling with rising customer acquisition costs, supply chain complexities, higher food and energy prices, and fierce competition across European and North American markets.
Renewed Focus on the Gulf
Despite its UK exit, Calo remains one of the leading FoodTech success stories in the Gulf region, with operations spanning Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman.
Industry observers believe the move may signal a renewed focus on Gulf markets, where demand for healthy food services and digital wellness solutions continues to grow at a strong pace.
The decision also comes as investors increasingly prioritize profitability and operational efficiency over aggressive international expansion, particularly in high-risk overseas markets.
While Calo’s UK venture was short-lived, its attempt to enter one of the world’s most competitive food markets highlights the growing ambitions of Gulf startups to build global brands beyond their home region.
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