Having expanded its footprint with new stores in the UK, US and Japan, Hotel Chocolat has further increased its distribution capacity in the UK.
The premium British chocolatier has taken a lease on a 222,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution facility at Alpha Park in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.
The company already occupied some 114,000 sq ft on the Park, but re-geared its lease arrangements when the adjoining 108,000 sq ft unit – occupied by Cath Kidston – became available.
Alpha Park was built approximately 12 years ago but acquired by the current owners, the CCLA managed – Local Authorities’ Mutual Investment Trust – in 2017. They were represented in the transaction by Northamptonshire based Prop-Search, whilst Bidwells represented Hotel Chocolat.
Since Hotel Chocolat opened the doors to its first shop in North London in 2004, today the successful brand has over 150 shops, as well as cafes and restaurants, and a hotel on the company’s working cacao farm on St Lucia in the Caribbean. It is headquartered in Royston.
“We are very pleased to expand our distribution centre in St Neots so that we are fully set up to supply all our markets efficiently. In addition, we have now opened on-site a factory outlet offering chocolates, Ice Cream of The Gods, Chocolat drinks and the highly acclaimed Velvetiser”; said Peter Harris, Co-Founder of Hotel Chocolat.
Ian Harman, a Director of Prop-Search, added: “We’re delighted to secure Hotel Chocolat as a long-term tenant at Alpha Park. This is a clear indication of the strength of the letting market in the region and testament to our advice and market insight, as well as the overall quality of this investment.”
