Hotel Chocolat has posted an 11% growth in its full year pre-tax profit to £14.1 million.
In the year up to June 30th, revenue increased by 14% to £132.5 million, with underlying EBITDA rose by 9% to £20.7 million.
During this period, the brand opened 14 new stores in the UK and Ireland, invested in two new refits and relocated three stores to bigger units. It also opened two stores in the US and launched tow joint venture stores in Japan.
The company put the UK profit growth down to increased efficiency and the benefits of scale. The company’s offering of leisure, gifts and experiences and ranges of drinks and chocolate-dipped ice lollies also attributed to the success.
The new VIP ME loyalty scheme attracted over 900,000 active members during the period.
Angus Thirlwell, co-founder and chief executive of Hotel Chocolat, said: “I am pleased to report another year of significant progress for the group with profits growing slightly ahead of expectations. Profit from existing group operations increased faster than sales growth, enabling us to invest in new markets."
