Waitrose has announced its partnership with Hotel Chocolat, which will see the grocer sell a selection of the chocolatiers products in its branches and online.

The premium grocer will give dedicated branded bays and gondola ends in its stores to Hotel Chocolat – marking the first time that Waitrose has entered into this type of deal with a third-party business.

The spaces will stock 20 of the chocolatier’s products- a curated offer focused on year-round best-selling lines, rather than seasonal ranges.

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Waitrose announced the new partnership will feature Hotel Chocolat’s boxed chocolate selections, vegan ranges, alcoholic drinks and its Velvetiser hot chocolate maker.

The same 20 Hotel Chocolat products will also be made available to purchase through the Waitrose website.

“Hotel Chocolat has long brought innovation and authenticity to the chocolate scene and we are excited by this new partnership and the dedicated space in our shops,” Waitrose head of grocery and frozen foods Stephanie Chafor said.

“We think our customers will love the brand’s ethical and sustainability credentials as much as the quality of their chocolate ”

Waitrose will launch the partnership next week in an initial 27 stores.