UK chocolate maker collapses into administration after 40 years in business

One of Britain's most celebrated chocolate manufacturers

As London’s largest producer of premium chocolates, Marasu’s Petit Fours has had an annual production of more than 300 tones.

The company was founded by patissiers Rolf Kern and Gabi Kohler in 1986, and 20 years later it was acquired by Prestat Group.

It has recently faced difficult market conditions, but the specific reason for its collapse is not yet known.

Reportedly, the company also faced difficulties after attempting to expand its market using premium cocoa varieties such as Criollo, and this left it vulnerable to cheaper competitors.

Its closure comes as part of a prepack administration deal that will see Prestat taken over by chocolate maker L’Artisan du Chocolat.

The chocolate industry in recent years has struggled with global cocoa prices surging to record highs in 2024 and cocoa crops being hit by disease and extreme weather.

These include flooding and droughts, in key producing countries such as Ghana and the Ivory Coast, which together account for about 60% of the world's production.