The premium drinking chocolate and coffee chain is seeking to open at least 16 new UK stores, build its Middle East presence and launch in the US and China over the next 12 months
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Knoops has new UK sites in development in Cardiff, Norwich and York | Photo credit: Knoops
UK-based premium drinking chocolate and coffee chain Knoops has outlined plans to scale its UK presence and enter new international markets in 2025.
Knoops is seeking to grow its UK estate from 24 stores to 40 across the next 12 months, with new sites in development in Cardiff, Norwich and York.
In a press release, Knoops reported 22% like-for-like sales growth in the UK during the five weeks ended 29 December 2024, compared to the previous year. Group revenues increased 79% year-on-year over the first nine months of its fiscal year.
The business has forecast annual UK revenues will reach £16m ($19.6m) for the 12 months ending 31 March 2025.
“With accelerating like-for-like growth in the UK stores as they mature, and a top UK team now in place, Knoops has the blueprint for its international growth model,” said CEO William Gordon-Harris.
Knoops made its international debut with a store in Dubai in November 2024 and is planning to enter further Middle East markets in 2025. The premium drinking chocolate and coffee chain is also in advanced discussions to enter the US and China, with first outlets in both markets expected before the end of the year.
To support international growth, Knoops has appointed Lush co-founder and former Hotel Chocolat chairman Andrew Gerrie to its Board of Directors, where he will work alongside Pret A Manger co-founder Julian Metcalfe and former Sanctuary Spa Group CEO Alice Avis.
“Andrew became an investor in Knoops last year and has been working with me to scope out the international focus that will inform the direction of the brand,” Gordon-Harris said on LinkedIn.
“It’s very rare to see an opportunity of the size and scale that Knoops has to define the chocolate drinks category. Combined with William’s vision and drive, I believe it is possible to build a once in a generation brand,” Gerrie added.
In March 2024, Gordon-Harris unveiled plans to ‘build a billion-dollar brand’ and set a goal to reach 3,000 Knoops stores globally by 2030. The premium drinking chocolate and coffee chain raised £6m ($7.7m) in June 2023 and a further £8.3m ($10.4m) the following November to support its ambitious growth plans.