Hotel Chocolat profits surge 56% to £24.1m

Hotel Chocolat has revealed its profits increased 56% to £24.1m, up from £15.5m the previous year, during the 26-week period ended 26 December 2021.

The firm also reported its revenues were also up by 40% to £142.9m, in comparison to 101.9m for the same time the previous year.

Hotel Chocolat said its strong sales increase reflects “growing brand appeal” in the UK, US and Japan, with a 38% increase in active UK customer database to 2.3m.

Additionally, it is investing for expansion with 50% of placing proceeds deployed. The brand specified a combination of “compelling” product ranges and data-driven marketing key to this UK expansion.

Angus Thirlwell, co-founder and CEO, said: “I am delighted that we have achieved a great set of results both in terms of sales and profits, indicating the global strength of the Hotel Chocolat brand and our direct-to-consumer business model.

“These results enable continued new job creation based in our British manufacturing operations, as well as roles in technology and multi-channel retailing.”

He added: “In the UK, we continued to entice many new customers to Hotel Chocolat, growing our active customer database by 38% to 2.3m. Our unparalleled pipeline of new product launches means I am confident we will be able to excite and retain their
custom for many years ahead.

“The last two years have been a period of very significant change both globally and within the business. The multi-channel performance of the UK remains encouraging, and the new markets continue to show promising potential for growth and profitability.”