Appetising result: Hotel Chocolat cashes in on opening of additional branches

Hotel Chocolat has bagged double-digit sales growth as it opened stores during a difficult time for rival retailers. The firm’s revenue for the year ended 1 July was £116 million, up 12 per cent, year-on-year. It opened 15 stores over the period, which helped lift sales 6 per cent. The firm said profit before tax for the year will be in line with market hopes of £12.8m. Angus Thirlwell, cofounder, said: “We are encouraged by the performance of both our new and existing locations. Customers are continuing to respond well to our luxury brand and lifestyle propositions.”