British-based premium confectionery group Hotel Chocolat has moved to partner with Deliveroo, as it makes a strategic move to offer chocolate gifting on demand, writes Neill Barston.

The business, which is now under the ownership of Mars, has continued to revamp its consumer offerings over the past year, including extending a number of its core offerings, as well as diversifying into different market segments in response to key growth areas.

As the company noted, its latest deal launches with  five Hotel Chocolat locations – Manchester Cross Street, Chiswick, Staines, St James’s and Wimbledon – customers will be able to order a curated selection of Hotel Chocolat products directly through Deliveroo.

As the firm revealed, its collaboration has been driven by a clear uptick in demand, with searches on the Deliveroo app for Hotel Chocolat reportedly up by 40% in the last twelve months. 

Furthermore, as the business noted, for more than two decades, Hotel Chocolat has continued to challenge what a chocolate gift can be. Combining its deep knowledge of cacao with original recipes, distinctive flavours and considered presentation, the chocolatier has built its gifting range around helping customers find something that feels personal to the recipient.

The new exclusive partnership marks the latest evolution of that approach. By bringing Hotel Chocolat to Deliveroo, customers can turn the thought of someone into a meaningful gesture when the moment arises.

Notably, the range brings together some of Hotel Chocolat’s most distinctive gifting propositions. Customers will be able to shop the Velvetiser, Hotel Chocolat’s new boxed selections, its signature selectors, and Velvetised Creams.

The launch comes as Hotel Chocolat prepares for the biggest gifting period of the year, with Christmas gifting, including Advent calendars and stocking fillers, set to join the Deliveroo range later this year.

Carrie Martin, UK General Manager at Hotel Chocolat said: “Thoughtful gifting has always been at the heart of Hotel Chocolat, and we’re constantly looking at how we can make it easier for customers to mark the moments that matter.

Partnering with Deliveroo gives customers a completely new way to access and send Hotel Chocolat gifts: combining the quality and originality they expect from us with greater choice and flexibility. It’s an exciting next step in how we’re growing the brand and meeting customers where they want to shop.”