BRAND NEWS
Knoops accelerates UK and US expansion with new retail push
British drinking chocolate specialist Knoops is accelerating its international and UK retail expansion, appointing food distributor RH Amar while establishing its first permanent US presence with a store in Salt Lake City, Utah. The RH Amar partnership marks the first time Knoops has appointed a dedicated UK distributor. It will handle 11 SKUs from the Knoops At Home range, including its 54% House Blend and 43% Single Origin Venezuela, across grocery, speciality, wholesale, foodservice and online channels. The move builds on Knoops’ existing presence with retailers including Ocado, Harrods, Selfridges and Whole Foods, as well as its own stores, direct-to-consumer and Amazon channels. Jo Brett, COO of Knoops, said: “RH Amar’s expertise and
extensive network of specialist retailers and distribution channels will help us accelerate our UK growth, build greater awareness and access to the Knoops brand.”
Fudge Kitchen opens doors in Chester
Fudge Kitchen has opened its newest artisan fudge shop in Chester, marking the employee-owned confectionery brand’s first new store in almost a decade. Located at 6–8 Watergate
Street, the shop brings Fudge Kitchen’s handcrafted fudge and live demonstrations to the historic city, with customers able to watch expert makers prepare batches by hand using traditional techniques refined over more than 40 years. Made with fresh whipping cream and natural ingredients, the fudge is cooked and crafted on marble tables in full view of customers, creating the immersive retail experience that has become central to the brand. The Chester location also marks a step forward in Fudge
Kitchen’s sustainability programme. It is the company’s first shop to operate entirely on renewable electricity, with fully electric cooking equipment powered by renewable energy. Ian McCluskey, Retail Director at Fudge Kitchen, said: “Our shops are much more than places to buy fudge – they’re places where people can experience traditional craftsmanship, meet our passionate makers and enjoy something genuinely memorable.” Founded in 1983, Fudge Kitchen operates shops in Bath,
Canterbury, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Windsor and York, alongside supplying luxury retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Claridge’s.
RH Amar Commercial Director Justin Burbage added: “Knoops is
a fantastic addition to our portfolio and comes at an exciting time for the premium drinks category, as consumers continue to seek high-quality, indulgent products to enjoy at home.” Meanwhile, Knoops’ Salt Lake City opening marks the first
stage of its US expansion, with a second Utah location planned for Farmington later this year and further sites identified. CEO William Gordon-Harris said: “The opening of our first U.S.
store is a hugely exciting milestone for Knoops and the next step in our international growth story.” Founded in Rye in 2013, Knoops now has more than 30 stores
across the UK and overseas, supported by its hand-flaked chocolate range and customisable drinking chocolate proposition.
PLAYin CHOC expands UK retail presence with M&S listing
PLAYin CHOC has expanded its UK retail presence with a major new listing in Marks & Spencer Foodhalls, bringing its dairy-free chocolate range to a wider audience. The brand’s JustChoc
Boxes are now available in more than 500 M&S Foodhalls, while its Woodland Animals ToyChoc Boxes are stocked in 140 stores nationwide.
Made with three plant-
based ingredients – Peruvian cacao, vanilla and coconut – PLAYin CHOC’s chocolate is organic, vegan and free from all 14 major allergens. The ToyChoc range
combines chocolate with an educational 3D puzzle toy and fact card, while all products are packaged in 100%
8 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026
plastic-free, recyclable and compostable materials. PLAYin CHOC said the
M&S launch represented “an exciting new chapter” for the brand, with the retailer’s focus on quality and thoughtful product design making it a natural fit. The rollout strengthens
PLAYin CHOC’s presence in mainstream UK retail while highlighting its positioning around plant-based, allergen- free confectionery and packaging designed to minimise plastic use.
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