Chocolatier and cocoa grower Hotel Chocolat reported a 10.4% sales jump year on year for the four weeks ending 29 December 2024.
Its in-store cafe sales also grew 33% year on year, with 21 and 23 December being its busiest shopping days online and in-store.
“This Christmas was our most successful to date and testament to the dedication of our manufacturing-distributing and retailing teams in particular,” said Angus Thirlwell, Hotel Chocolat founder and global CEO.
“Despite consumers continuing to feel the pinch, they went for quality this Christmas and we posted strong sales across our accessible price points from the £5.95 chocolate-filled table cracker right up to our £200 Velvetiser experience hamper.”
In recent years, the company has embraced subscription-based services as a key component of its business strategy, offering customers a convenient and personalised way to experience luxury chocolates on a recurring basis.
The company introduced its subscription programme, known as The Velvetiser Subscription, in November 2018. The subscription was initially designed for the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser machine, an in-home barista-grade drinking chocolate maker.
Today, it offers four different subscription offerings – two built around its Velvetiser and two hand-picked chocolate options.
The Velvetiser monthly offering gives customers a £50 discount on the purchase of the machine, which is available in three colours. Consumers can then select between a six-month and 12-month plans featuring single servings of barista-quality hot chocolate, all with free UK delivery.
The chocolate box subscriptions enable shoppers to receive either a curated collection of mellow, dark and high-cacao, and tipsy treats once a month or their favourite Sleekster (a selection of 27-plus chocolates presented in chic packaging) delivered direct.
The Sleekster subscription [pictured] features eight different genres: Everything, Milk to Caramel, Serious Dark Fix, Exuberantly Fruity, Tipsy Truffles, Patisserie, Unbelievably Vegan and Exquisitely Nutty. Both chocolate options start at £29.95 a month.
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