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Made Uncommon’s Sweet Move: What Love Cocoa’s Acquisition Signals for Ethical Chocolate

Exclusive Analysis: The acquisition of Love Cocoa — the boutique ethical chocolate company founded by James Cadbury, great-great-great grandson of John Cadbury — by Made Uncommon marks a significant moment for the UK’s premium chocolate sector

Images shows Love Cocoa Founder James Cadbury outside the retail space in London
James Cadbury, founder of Love Cocoa. Image: Love Cocoa

Announced on 4 November 2025, the acquisition brings Love Cocoa into Made Uncommon’s growing portfolio of purpose-led confectionery brands, including Seed & Bean. While financial details remain undisclosed, the move underscores an accelerating trend: established boutique chocolate labels with strong sustainability credentials are increasingly being absorbed into larger groups seeking operational efficiencies and brand diversity. 

For the ethical chocolate movement — built on traceability, fair pay, and sustainable sourcing — this consolidation wave may redefine what 'ethical scale' really looks like. Beyond a simple business transaction, the deal raises larger questions about how small, mission-driven brands can scale without losing their ethical edge in a market squeezed by cocoa inflation and consolidation pressures.

Cadbury is also the owner of the popular vegan brand H!P Chocolate, which CocoaRadar also believes is part of the deal. Speaking to this author in January 2024, he expressed caution about selling his brands, particularly H!P Chocolate, despite larger chocolate companies showing interest in the vegan trend. He acknowledged that at some point, external investment could prompt discussions about a sale.

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