A multimillion pound chocolate company based in Oakdale is looking to build upon its success by relaunching a luxuary chocolate brand.
Confectionery and biscuit company Bon Bon Buddies rescued the Kschocolât chocolate brand earlier this year when the then Glasgow-based business fell into administration.
Six months down the line, it has brought on board a brand manager to relaunch the range of chocolate products into the market place.
Kate Methuen, 34, from Newport, has been appointed to drive the brand forward.
Ms Methuen said: “Kschocolât is a very strong brand with enormous potential. However in recent years it has lacked direction. I’m looking to bring focus to the brand and a consistent approach to the range and our messages.”
Started in 2003, Kschocolât was one of the fastest growing premium chocolate brands and was the first brand to bring the ‘chilli chocolate’ and ‘lemon and black pepper’ flavours to the UK.
Bon Bon Buddies is also looking to increase distribution of its products and boost online sales.
Currently stocked in upmarket retailers including John Lewis and E H Booth & Co, the company plans to drive Kschocolât in the European market.
Chris Howarth, managing director of Bon Bon Buddies, said: “The reason behind us taking over the Kschocolât brand was to allow us to extend our presence in the premium chocolate market in the UK and Europe. Over the past six months, we have worked hard to re-establish successful trading relationships with stockists of Kschocolât and we are now focusing our efforts on refreshing the brand and growing our customer base.
Established in 1993, Bon Bon Buddies is Europe’s leading supplier of licensed confectionery and novelty biscuits featuring characters such as Dr Who, Toy Story, Hello Kitty and Sponge Bob Square Pants. The company, based on Oakdale Business Park, which is on track to turnover more than £35m in 2010 now has operations in France, Poland, Germany, Benelux and Denmark.