This looks like Mars following in the footsteps on Mondelez - who acquired Green and Blacks a few years ago - and are looking to turn Hotel Chocolat into a top end of the mass market brand. Coming to a supermarket near you soon...
Although not exactly a direct competitor, it is interesting to see how an established chocolate brand like Cadbury continues to innovate and grow. The Xmas campaign, which sees it bring the brand to life both emotionally and in terms of distribution is fantastic
Yes, it is interesting isn't it. I also wonder about the rise of other premium brands (Tonys Chocoloney being a current obsession) and wonder if it indicates that we are more comfortable buying premium from the supermarket - it was over-distribution in grocers which arguably killed off Thorntons years ago, but maybe it is a more effective strategy now?
I haven’t looked at the HC accounts, but would be interesting to understand how much focus is now on the subscription part of the business, and to what extent this is (or is designed to) address the issues you highlight.
The CX is stagnant, repetitive and boring. I too used to love it and cite it as a go to retail model but I am now over it. The cafe is an after thought, it no longer has an attitude, it repeats the same lines every season with no surprises and it is undeniably expensive for a joe average experience. It also does nothing to attract the younger market due to price point and lack of innovation. It’s also on the high st where no one wants to be and often next to uninspiring shops aka scribbler. We can analyse its demise through a financial and economic lens but to me, it’s simply a lack lustre, lazy CX that has lost their game
Very interesting developments today!
This looks like Mars following in the footsteps on Mondelez - who acquired Green and Blacks a few years ago - and are looking to turn Hotel Chocolat into a top end of the mass market brand. Coming to a supermarket near you soon...
Interesting indeed!
Although not exactly a direct competitor, it is interesting to see how an established chocolate brand like Cadbury continues to innovate and grow. The Xmas campaign, which sees it bring the brand to life both emotionally and in terms of distribution is fantastic
Yes, it is interesting isn't it. I also wonder about the rise of other premium brands (Tonys Chocoloney being a current obsession) and wonder if it indicates that we are more comfortable buying premium from the supermarket - it was over-distribution in grocers which arguably killed off Thorntons years ago, but maybe it is a more effective strategy now?
I haven’t looked at the HC accounts, but would be interesting to understand how much focus is now on the subscription part of the business, and to what extent this is (or is designed to) address the issues you highlight.
They certainly aren't shouting about it in their investor comms, which would be a mistake if they are getting any traction with it.
Hi Ian - would love to read your thoughts on what has happened at Wiggle/CRC.
That's a fascinating story indeed - will have a look into it a bit further.
Enjoyed reading this today!
Ian, on a totally different subject, I would commend you to look at Fenwicks, which is an interesting and a good news story.
Will take a look
The CX is stagnant, repetitive and boring. I too used to love it and cite it as a go to retail model but I am now over it. The cafe is an after thought, it no longer has an attitude, it repeats the same lines every season with no surprises and it is undeniably expensive for a joe average experience. It also does nothing to attract the younger market due to price point and lack of innovation. It’s also on the high st where no one wants to be and often next to uninspiring shops aka scribbler. We can analyse its demise through a financial and economic lens but to me, it’s simply a lack lustre, lazy CX that has lost their game