Hotel Chocolat Group PLC Trading Update (2982U)
17 January 2017 - 6:00PM
UK Regulatory
TIDMHOTC
RNS Number : 2982U
Hotel Chocolat Group PLC
17 January 2017
17th January 2017
HOTEL CHOCOLAT GROUP PLC
("Hotel Chocolat", the "Company" or the "Group")
Trading Update
Hotel Chocolat Group plc, a premium British chocolatier and
omni-channel retailer, today announces the following trading update
for the 13 weeks ended 25 December 2016.
Total Group revenue for the period increased 16.2 per cent
compared to the prior year (14.6 per cent on a proforma* constant
currency basis).
Retail growth was driven by increases in footfall and items per
basket, with customers also choosing to buy more higher-priced gift
items. The digital business showed similar momentum, and in January
a new website launched; improvements include optimisation for
smartphones and tablets, a bespoke 'gift creator' service for
delivered gifts, and better integration of the tasting club
subscription service.
The business opened 10 new stores during the six months ended
December, and now has 90 stores in the UK. Seven of the new stores
included the signature drinks offer of Hot Chocolat,
coffee-chocolate and light cocoa infusions.
Trading since December continues to be in line with management's
expectations. The Board expects to announce the Group's results for
the six months ended 25 December 2016 on 22 February 2017.
Angus Thirlwell, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
said:
"The growing strength of the Hotel Chocolat brand has enabled us
to perform well. Our seasonal ranges included many new innovations
and our cafe drinks offer adds a new dimension to our
experience."
"Being a UK manufacturer gave us the flexibility to maintain
good stock availability right up to the end of the season. I would
like to thank the whole team for their energy, enthusiasm and
tireless commitment to delivering on our plans."
*The group acquired Hotel Chocolat Estates (St Lucia) Ltd in
April 2016. The proforma results include the sales from St Lucia in
2015 and 2016.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of the Market Abuse Regulation.
Enquiries:
Hotel Chocolat Group Tel: +44 (0) 1763 257
Limited 746
Angus Thirlwell, Co-Founder
and CEO
Peter Harris, Co-Founder
and Development Director
Matt Pritchard, CFO
Liberum (Nominated Adviser Tel: +44 (0) 20 3100 2000
and Sole Broker)
Clayton Bush
Steven Tredget
Anna Hartropp
Jill Li
Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7638
9571
Simon Rigby
Ellen Wilton
Notes to Editors:
Hotel Chocolat is a premium British chocolatier with a strong
and distinct brand. The business was founded in 1993 by Angus
Thirlwell and Peter Harris and has traded under the Hotel Chocolat
brand since 2003. The Group sells its products online and through a
network of stores in the UK and abroad. The Group has two
restaurants in the UK and a cocoa plantation and hotel in Saint
Lucia. The Group was admitted to trading on AIM in 2016.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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