HOTEL Chocolat has notched up an impressive 16.2 per cent rise in second quarter sales as it benefited from a strong Christmas.

The upmarket chocolatier said increased footfall and customers choosing to buy more higher-priced gift items helped drive sales. Hotel Chocolat added that trading since December continues to be in line with management’s expectations.

Boss Angus Thirlwell said: “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.”