Hotel Chocolat records annual growth from latest performance figures

British confectionery group Hotel Chocolat has reported a 14% rise in its annual revenues, with figures standing at £132.5 million, against £116.3 million for the previous financial year.

The company’s preliminary results for the financial calendar ending June 30, showed profits after tax were also up 10%, to £10.9 against 2018’s performance.

Among its key highlights for the year were the opening of 14 new stores, as well as two new locations within the US, and a further two in Japan, further expanding its portfolio. The company also noted that over 900,000 people had signed up to its VIP ME loyalty scheme, which had also build additional brand awareness.

Angus Thirlwell, co-founder and CEO of Hotel Chocolat, said: “I am pleased to report another year of significant progress for the Group with profits growing slightly ahead of expectations. In the UK, our physical locations performed well, reflecting their allure and relevance.

“Growth was underpinned by the combination of leisure, gifts and experiences including Chocolate Lock-in tastings, as well as
new ranges of drinks and chocolate-dipped ice lollies. The launch of the innovative Velvetiser, our in-home hot
chocolate system, supported strong sales growth and received fantastic customer reviews. Our new VIP ME
loyalty scheme attracted over 900,000 active members during the period and we continued to bring new and
exciting products to market.

“Profit from existing Group operations increased faster than sales growth, enabling us to invest in new markets.
We are confident that our international expansion will continue to develop well. Our focus on USA and Japan,
two of the three largest economies in the world, led to four locations opening, with a further five opening over
the next six months. The brand, what it stands for, and our “More Cacao Less Sugar” taste have proven attractive
in Tokyo and New York, as well as our refreshing price versus quality ratio.”

He added that there were key product launches on the horizon including new Velvetiser chocolate flavours, such as maple and pecan and gingerbread, and dark mint chocolate cream liqueur, and a Japanese favourite, the all-Chocolate Macaron.

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