Chocolate lovers who flock to seasonal sales of the sweet delight at Hurst have good news.
Family business Chocolates for Chocoholics at Lea Farm has just started a shop for the first time in its 36-year history.
The shop was opened last Saturday by MP Theresa May, a long-term customer of the company.
Mrs May cut the opening ribbon and said: “I’ve known Chocoholics for a lot of the 25 years I have been an MP.
“It’s a great business, I always put a Christmas order in to them. It’s lovely to see this new venture opening up.”
For years the company sold their goods via ‘parties’ in people’s homes. These stopped when covid arrived, said company director Roger Cossey. But in the meantime sales had been growing online, where they continue.
The company’s twice-yearly sales after their main selling seasons are a highlight for hundreds of local children, and adults.
Chocoholics director Victoria Cossey, 36, said: “A lot of people asked for a shop open all year, so now we have one. It sells the full range of everything online and in the brochure.”
The chocolate-based stock is packed and decorated for gifts for events including Christmas, Easter, birthdays and weddings.
“We pride ourselves on having luxury chocolates with affordable pricing. With chocolate people feel they can have a bit of luxury, even when there isn’t much money around. It makes you feel good,” added Victoria.
“As a family company we offer a personal service, customers come back. One of them, Theresa May, has been very supportive of us. We are delighted and honoured she came for the opening.”
Victoria’s parents Liz and Roger Cossey, both directors of Chocoholics, started the business in 1986.
“We’re not manufacturers. Our main chocolate supplier is in Belgium, but we have other suppliers in Germany and the UK,” said Victoria.
“We work very closely with one manufacturer to develop flavours. We have bespoke chocolates made for us. We hand pick and package the chocolates at our own site.”
The company has two peak times, one before Christmas, with the other including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter. At peak times 35-40 people work there. Many seasonal staff come back year after year.
Victoria’s husband Pete Robinson joined the company last year. Victoria’s sister, Emma, handles Chocoholics’ social media.
The company will be opening a Santa’s Grotto, which includes the chance to make and decorate your own chocolate lolly, visit Father Christmas and receive a gift. Bookings are online at www.chocolate-parties.com/santas-chocolate-grotto
