* In theUK , the strong brand position and multichannel model enabled growth of 38%. New customer acquisition campaigns resulted in 38% more active customers.
* In theUSA , the digital-led strategy delivered growth of 150%, with active customer database growth of 119%.
* InJapan , our multi-channel joint venture achieved growth of 131%. Since launching the VIP loyalty scheme 14 months ago, the database has grown by 1000% to over 100,000 active customers.
Outlook
Trading throughout the period has been encouraging and the Board now expects trading to be marginally ahead of management's expectations for the current financial year.
Notice of Results
The Board expects to announce the Group's results for the six months ended
'These results demonstrate that the Hotel Chocolat brand is connecting with more customers, as we invest continually in new product creativity, driving growth across channels and categories, and in our 'gentle farming' initiative supporting cacao-farming families.
'All of our six growth drivers are behind the acceleration in sales: Velvetiser in-home drinks system, VIP Loyalty rewards, and Digital, whilst the
'Our Velvetiser in-home drinks system was a star performer during the period. The majority of our subscription customers are now coming from our popular hot chocolate and coffee machines and drinks. We invested in refreshing our key chocolate gift ranges in the period and that resulted in an immediate and strong uplift in sales, particularly the higher price-point categories.
'We are incredibly grateful to both our new and long-established direct customers who support us and there's been an exceptional team effort from the worldwide
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Group to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of
Enquiries:
Liberum (Nominated Adviser and Sole Broker) Tel: +44 (0) 20 3100 2000
Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7638 9571
Notes to Editors:
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