Ritter Sport

Canaccord Genuity Advises Ritter Sport on its Acquisition of Chocolove

Acquisition marks a decisive step in Ritter Sport’s ambition to build a strong and influential presence in the U.S. chocolate market. Bringing two purpose-driven premium brands together expands Ritter Sport’s scale and demonstrates its commitment to shaping a more dynamic and competitive premium chocolate category.

Canaccord Genuity has advised Ritter Sport Group, creator of the iconic German chocolate brand known for its square shape, colorful assortment, and long-standing commitment to sustainability, on its acquisition of Creative Natural Products, Inc. (CNP), the Boulder, CO–based maker of the Chocolove® brand. The two family-owned companies share a strong foundation of values and a passion for crafting chocolate that delivers joy responsibly - from Waldenbuch, Chicago and Boulder.

Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG is the first major chocolate bar manufacturer to source only certified cocoa for its entire range, which includes the Ritter Sport and Amicelli brands. Established in 1912, the family-owned company based in the German town of Waldenbuch, with a second production facility in Breitenbrunn in Austria and subsidiaries in other international markets, currently employs around 1,900 people and achieved sales of 605 million euros in 2024. Ritter Sport consistently appears in the Chocolate Scorecard as a top company “Leading in policy and practice” globally for its sustainable cocoa sourcing. Ritter has been a balance sheet climate-neutral company since 2020 - another example of its own purpose to do the right thing to create really good chocolate. The colorful Ritter Sport squares are sold in more than 100 countries around the world.

Creative Natural Products, Inc., based in Boulder, Colorado, operates under the trade name Chocolove and is a leading manufacturer of premium, all-natural chocolate products. Founded in 1995, the company is dedicated to producing high-quality chocolate that is both luxurious and accessible.

Chocolove® will continue to manufacture in Boulder, CO. As part of Ritter Sport USA, Inc., the brand will gain expanded opportunities, while supporting continuity for customers, employees, and partners.