Hotel Chocolat has reported a pre-tax loss of £13m for the 52 weeks to 27 December 2025 as it continued to invest in the business following its acquisition by Mars.
The result compares with a £13.4m profit in the previous reporting period, although that covered 78 weeks and is therefore not directly comparable.
Revenue reached £225.2m, with sales of goods contributing £220.1m and services generating £5.1m. Gross profit stood at £129.6m, representing a margin of 57.5 per cent.
The chocolate retailer recorded an operating loss of £9.5m after exceptional costs of £5.5m. These included £4.3m of integration expenses associated with the Mars acquisition and £1.2m of impairments relating to UK stores.
Hotel Chocolat said its performance reflected investment in products, brands, processes, and customer relationships as it adapted to changing consumer behaviour.
UK sales accounted for £214.7m of revenue, while the US and Saint Lucia generated £5.1m and £5.4m, respectively.
Cash generated from operating activities reached £11.7m, although investment of £26.6m in property, equipment and other assets contributed to cash reserves falling from £42.4m to £21.8m.
The average number of employees increased by 166 to 2,684 following the opening of new stores.
Hotel Chocolat said Mars’ international reach, supply chain and commercial relationships would support its next phase of growth in the UK and overseas.
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