• Alex Conrad, Sports Writer

• Published: 17:40, 11 Oct 2025
• Updated: 17:40, 11 Oct 2025

Despite hanging up the boots in 2024, Salomon Kalou has not allowed himself to remain idle.

Earlier this year, the former Chelsea winger-turned-entrepreneur announced the launch of his venture in a realm very few, if any, footballers enter in their post-playing days.

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Kalou decided he would give Willy Wonka a run for his money and created his own chocolate brand, Oume.

The name of the brand holds special meaning to Kalou given it was the town in the Ivory Coast he grew up in.

In an interview with The Telegraph last May, Kalou opened up on his unusual journey into the business of chocolate.

"Growing up, I don't remember eating chocolate and didn't know what it was," Kalou said.

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"It's expensive. It's more of a privilege, for people who can afford to buy it because it is expensive.

"People don't know what they make in their farms is for chocolate. But we have a big percentage...