Hotel Chocolat offers summer special bakery and savoury releases for UK stores
pic: Hotel Chocolat
British premium confectionery brand Hotel Chocolat has released its latest new bakes and savouries collection within its Yorkshire stores in Harrogate, Leeds Trinity, Leeds Springs,, and its latest Ilkley outlet due open next month, reports Neill Barston.
The fresh launch follows in the wake of a major £10 million investment into the business, which was recently acquired by Mars, that will enable the development of 25 new UK stores, creating 250 jobs within the industry.
As the business explained to Confectionery Production, its latest offering stems from the successful Velvetiser Café concept and features an array of entirely new recipes created in-house by Hotel Chocolat’s expert Development Chef, David Demaison.
These latest treats are based on dishes from the renowned restaurant at Hotel Chocolat’s cacao farm in Saint Lucia and are inspired by the brand’s established, ethically sourced chocolate range. The new cafe concept will be rolled-out in stores from today (August 1), with the company’s VIP members from its free subscription club able to gain 20% off cafe drinks purchased as part of the opening initiative.
Its options include a new flaky Chocolatine, with two of Hotel Chocolat’s sophisticated, featuring high-cacao chocolate batons encased within. The series also includes an authentic Rabot Original savoury pastry, available in three different variants. Then there’s its Beyond a Brownie luxury offering loaded with fillings inspired by the brand’s best-loved chocolates.
Quality focus
As the business noted, true to its founding spirit of innovation, the company approached its new bakes with the same precision as their chocolates, even opening Boar Lane Bakery in Leeds to ensure the highest quality. Hand-baked daily, these creations promise exceptional taste and texture, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail.
Ian Mackie, Head of Velvetiser Café welcomed its latest product range as a valuable addition to the portfolio. He said: “This launch represents a significant milestone for the Velvetiser Café, as we expand our offerings to include a diverse and delectable menu inspired by our commitment to quality and innovation. Each item is crafted with care and precision, using the finest ingredients sourced responsibly, reflecting our dedication to ethical and sustainable practices. We cannot wait for our customers to experience the unique flavours and the exceptional quality that define Hotel Chocolat.”
David Demaison, Executive Development Chef revealed that there had been a significant level of preparation behind the scenes that had gone into its latest creations, which are set to be unveiled this summer.
He explained: “We spent months obsessing, finessing, and taste-testing (of course), before settling on just the right ratio of chocolate to pastry, and more. Now, our imaginative menu is ready to savour. A collection of chocolate and savoury creations designed to delight at breakfast, lunch, and every other moment besides. Wake up to a flaky Chocolatine, with two of our sophisticated, high-cacao chocolate Batons encased within. Spend your lunchtime with an authentic Rabot Original savoury pastry, in one of three recipes. And elevate your afternoon with a Beyond a Brownie – luxuriantly chocolatey and loaded with fillings inspired by our best-loved chocolates. I look forward to seeing our customers enjoy these new offerings, which are a true testament to our passion.”
Besides its latest series, the company asserted that it has continued to uphold its ethical and sustainability values through initiatives like their Gentle Farming programme, which supports cacao farmers in Ghana with sustainable farming practices. Now in its third year, the scheme provides 2,500 farmers in Ghana with on-farm support, including pruning, provision of fast-growing shade tree saplings, and fertiliser application. Additionally, the program shares knowledge to improve cacao yield while encouraging soil health and biodiversity on farms
This commitment to sustainability has been reflected in the new café offering as each bake and savoury item has been crafted with the finest ingredients, sourced responsibly to ensure both quality and ethical standards are met. By supporting sustainable farming practices, Hotel Chocolat not only delivers exceptional products but also contributes to a positive impact on the environment and farming communities.
