Hotel Chocolat has been forced to temporarily close one of its stores and bring in emergency cooling equipment as record temperatures threaten to melt its chocolate stock.
The chocolatier drafted in additional air conditioning units and fans across parts of its estate last week as temperatures soared, with its Marylebone store in London temporarily closing as it struggled with the heat.
At its London Bridge branch, a large fan was brought in to keep the shop cool in place of air conditioning.
Hotel Chocolat said: “To ensure all our stores can operate as usual, we have put extra measures in place, including bringing in additional air conditioning units, and are monitoring temperatures throughout the day.
“Our priority is to always do what’s right for our staff, products and customers.”
Temperatures in parts of London hit 38.1C last Thursday, presenting a particular challenge for a retailer whose core product is highly sensitive to heat.
Hotel Chocolat advises that chocolate should ideally be kept at around 18C to 20C, warning that heat and humidity are its “two worst enemies”. Cocoa butter begins to melt at around 34C to 38C, potentially affecting the texture and appearance of products.
The Mars-owned retailer now operates more than 160 stores across the UK, alongside cafés, bars and restaurants.
Mars snapped up Hotel Chocolat for £534m in January 2024, with co-founder Angus Thirlwell remaining at the helm of the business as it continues to expand in the UK and internationally.
Heatwave piles pressure on UK retailers
Hotel Chocolat is not alone in battling the impact of soaring temperatures on its stores.
The prolonged heat has caused operational headaches across the sector, including pressure on refrigeration and cooling systems, while also deterring shoppers from visiting the high street.
UK high street footfall fell 3.8 per cent year on year in July, according to the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic, while overall retail footfall declined 2.1 per cent. London recorded a 5.3 per cent fall as hot weather made travel and shopping less appealing.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said retailers were increasingly investing in measures including additional air conditioning and more efficient refrigeration as extreme temperatures become more frequent.
She said: “Climate change continues to deliver more and more extreme temperatures in the UK. Retailers are responding by investing in both mitigations – such as more air conditioning and more efficient refrigeration units – and in sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions.”
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