People’s Champion Finalist: Cocoba

Start-up name: Cocoba
Founder: Darren Litton, 36
Started in: 2013
Based in: London            
Business description: Chocolate café and retail brand

The Cocoba story:

Founder Darren Litton left the corporate world of banking in 2012 to launch his business but his love of the chocolate world began before this. Growing up in Australia supping his grandfather’s hot chocolate and surrounded by Sydney’s thriving café culture ignited Litton’s passion and eventually pushed him to take the leap and launch Cocoba.

The company specialises in Belgian chocolate and recently opened its flagship store and café next to John Lewis in Bluewater shopping centre, offering hot and iced chocolate drinks alongside its premium products – many of which are made in front of customers by trained baristas and chocolatiers.

The Bluewater step was a big one, but followed a successful pilot kiosk at Brent Cross shopping centre in north London.

Since opening the flagship store the company has put on events in store, such as networking events, beer or wine and chocolate pairings, as well as chocolate making classes for kids and adults – providing additional revenue and promoting brand awareness.

In addition to this the company sells its signature chocolate products through Selfridges in London and Birmingham as well as through its online store. And according to Litton sales are growing rapidly month by month, along with positive customer feedback.

Cocoba has big plans for the future and since successfully securing investment plans to increase sales in store and online, open additional stores and obtain more wholesale and corporate partners.

Why Cocoba made our 50:

Cocoba has made it into our top 50 due to its combination of passion for its product and service, alongside smart and sustainable business practices. The company has channelled people’s love of chocolate and the café culture through unique products and customer centric experience to compete successfully against the chain café brands it is up against.

Where to find out more about Hassle:

Website: www.cocobachocolate.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CocobaChocolate
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CocobaChocolate