Hotel Chocolat strikes fresh Japanese business venture agreement

UK premium confectionery group Hotel Chocolat has moved to expand its interests in Japan, after plans emerged for a new joint venture with Tokyo’s Eat Creator Corporation, writes Neill Barston.

According to national media, the British business is set to hold a 20% stake in its latest enterprise, which comes just a month after it reporting a £9 million loss amid challenging trading conditions.

It is understood that its losses were in part attributed to restructuring of its Japanese activities, with the company also facing strong competition in the US that led to it closing its retail interests there last year.

However, Confectionery Production understands that the new deal would include around 20 branded Hotel Chocolat stores in Japan, with the news being greeted positively in commercial circles, prompting a rise in its share value to kick-start the new financial year.

Eat Creator has developed a number of food specialities across its portfolio, including cacao-based products, desserts, and confectionery, which could offer Hotel Chocolat considerable new product possibilities.

CEO Angus Thirlwell said: Our new partner is well equipped to optimise the brand’s potential in Japan, bringing proven experience, new capital and a natural brand alignment on brand values. We are looking forward to combining the ingredients of Eat Creator with the ingredients of Hotel Chocolat into a powerful recipe for our next chapter in Japan.”