diff --git a/flit_gettext/utils.py b/flit_gettext/utils.py
index dd1b135..1c8877c 100644
--- a/flit_gettext/utils.py
+++ b/flit_gettext/utils.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ def compile_gettext_translations(config):
     """Compile gettext translations."""
     print("\33[1m* Compiling gettext translations...\33[0m")
 
-    msgfmt = shutil.which("msgfmt")
+    msgfmt = shutil.which("msgfmt") or "@msgfmt@"
 
     if msgfmt is None:
         raise OSError("msgfmt not found, please install gettext or check your PATH.")