Hot chocolate brand 80Noir Ultra expands with Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse deal
Fast-rising dark hot chocolate brand 80Noir Ultra is set to showcase its ranges at Virgin Atlantic’s ‘Clubhouse’ at the UK’s Heathrow Terminal 3, writes Neill Barston.
Founded by Carole Armitage just over a year ago, the business has already claimed industry accolades including honours at the Great Taste Awards for its focus on premium, health-focused ingredients.
Its series features quality 80.3% dark chocolate naturally packed with antioxidants and minerals which can be drunk, eaten, melted, or added to breakfast and baking recipes for a powerful chocolate hit.
The business has already gained a series of high profile brand ambassadors including Aly Dixon, Olympian and 50km champion, world 50km silver medallist and team gold winner Helen Davies and leading triathlete Kat Mathews.
For the company’s latest venture, its rich, creamy and smooth formula will be available for visitors to enjoy as part of their pre-flight experience in the Clubhouse, which is reserved for Upper Class passengers and offers them a space to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.
As the company notes, its launch into the Clubhouse follows a period of significant growth and success for the brand, having won several prestigious food and drink awards including being named one of Forbes’ ‘17 Best Healthy New Vegan Food and Drink Products’ just three months after launching.
Carole Armitage, founder of 80Noir Ultra, chocolate specialist, explained that her inspiration for creating the brand stemmed from a desire to create hot chocolate that went beyond what was possible with powdered varieties.
She explained its name relates to its connection with health and fitness, with the 80 a nod to the percentage of cocoa in its drinks range.
Carole said: “Launching our delicious hot chocolate in Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow Terminal 3 Clubhouse to improve customers’ wellbeing is an honour and a dream come true.
“It’s sometimes hard to believe how much I have achieved as a brand in such a short amount of time, and to partner with an airline as renowned as Virgin Atlantic is the icing on the cake and the best way imaginable to end the year.
“The fabulous baristas in the Clubhouse have been fully trained on every variety of our hot chocolate, and we hope visitors to the lounge enjoy all of the hard work that has gone into making our recipe award-winning and the best available.”
80Noir Ultra has also offered a pioneering approach to business in promoting the positive association of dark chocolate with mental and physical wellbeing.
The business, which has grown from one person to a team of four, successfully completed its crowdfunding first ‘round’ to the tune of a £20,900 investment to create a hot chocolate trailer in June 2021, followed by a further £100,000 in investment and grants.
