Hotel Chocolat Heats Up UK Chocolate Confectionery Market With Dual-Function Velvetiser, Bolstering Premium Strategy
Hotel Chocolat, the UK's leading direct-to-consumer (DTC) chocolatier by share owned by American chocolate confectionery giant Mars Inc, is poised to further solidify its position in the premium confectionery market with the upcoming launch of an innovative new Velvetiser. Set to debut in September 2025, this updated version of their popular hot chocolate maker can now prepare both hot and cold beverages, marking a significant evolution for the brand.
The original Velvetiser proved highly successful, performing exceptionally well in independent tests and becoming a popular Christmas gift. The new model's dual-drink capability directly addresses a common customer issue: the challenge of making cold chocolate drinks without dilution. This enhancement aims to expand the Velvetiser's appeal beyond winter, offering an indulgent beverage experience year-round.
Hotel Chocolat holds a dominant share in the UK's DTC chocolate confectionery channel according to Linium Intelligence estimates, significantly outpacing rivals like Lindt. This strong direct sales performance is a core element of Hotel Chocolat's business model. The brand is also among the top brands in the top price quartile of the overall chocolate confectionery market, showcasing its commitment to luxury. Its product range, including high-cacao content chocolates, diverse flavors, and luxurious items like slabs, truffles, and pralines, underpins this premium standing.
While Cadbury leads the broader UK chocolate confectionery market by market share and dominates the mass-market grocery channel, Hotel Chocolat maintains its strategic focus on differentiated, premium, and experiential offerings. The continuous innovation seen in products like the Velvetiser reinforces this commitment. The brand's extensive flavor selection, from popular caramel to unique notes like passion fruit and habanero chili, caters to sophisticated tastes within the luxury segment.