Ludwig Weinrich acquires majority stake in Divine Chocolate

Germany-based chocolate manufacturer Ludwig Weinrich has acquired the majority of the shares in UK-based brand Divine Chocolate.

Ludwig Weinrich has manufactured Divine’s chocolate since it was established in 1998 and now acquired the majority stake for an undisclosed sum.

The farmers’ co-operative in Ghana, Kuapa Kokoo that was a founding shareholder, will continue to own 20% of the stake.

A Divine Chocolate spokesperson said: “We are delighted that Weinrich, under its CEO Cord Budde, is now a key shareholder and are fully committed to our mission to empower cocoa farmers and chocolate lovers by delivering seriously good chocolate.

“Budde and his company have proved to be exceptional partners to Divine: not only developing and producing all our delicious chocolate flavours, but visiting farmers, hosting Kuapa Kokoo in their factory, building a schoolhouse to add to a school built by Kuapa, investing in establishing Divine USA, and helping in many ways to build our business.”

The latest agreement ensures Divine Chocolate can continue its commitment to the sustainable and traceable supply chain Fairtrade and distribution to all its customers and supporters globally.

It will also continue to remain committed to delivering a positive impact on African farmers.

In a recent Divine report, Weinrich CEO Cord Budde said: “Divine has brought me much closer to the most important part of our products, the cocoa and the farmers, and most importantly, made me much more sensitive regarding the needs and the livelihoods of those people who are producing this wonderful cocoa.”

“At this moment of change, Divine wishes to acknowledge and thank all the investors who had the imagination and courage to make Divine a reality.”