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Hotel Chocolat is entering the premium iced beverage space with the launch of Coconut Macaroon, its first limited-edition drinking chocolate specifically developed to be served iced.

Available now, the new product reflects the growing convergence between café culture, indulgent flavour profiles and consumer demand for caffeine alternatives. The launch builds on the success of the brand's Coconut White drinking chocolate, which became a permanent addition to Hotel Chocolat's portfolio following strong consumer demand.

The move also capitalises on the continuing popularity of coconut flavours within food and beverage innovation. Hotel Chocolat said it identified an opportunity to extend the appeal of bakery-inspired taste experiences into the chilled drinks category, tapping into the emerging "patisserie chocolate" trend.

According to a consumer survey conducted by the brand in May 2026, 48% of Hotel Chocolat customers said they would choose a premium iced drinking chocolate over a traditional iced coffee during the summer months. The findings suggest a growing appetite for cacao-based beverages that offer indulgence without relying on high caffeine content.

Yiotis Panagiotou, speciality cocoa chocolatier at Hotel Chocolat, said: "Following the success of our Coconut White hot drinking chocolate, we wanted to translate the popular profile into an iced experience to be enjoyed in summer. By combining the 'patisserie' trend with high-performance ingredients like coconut milk, we've created a product that responds to consumers' desire for innovation. It's about taking that bakery-favourite profile and making it a café-quality serve."

The launch highlights broader shifts within the beverages sector, where premiumisation and experiential consumption continue to drive innovation. As brands seek differentiation in an increasingly crowded iced drinks market, chocolate-based offerings present an opportunity to expand beyond traditional coffee-led occasions.

Coconut Macaroon will retail at £14.95 for a box of 10 sachets and will be available through Hotel Chocolat stores, the brand's e-commerce platform and Hotel Chocolat cafés.

Founded in 2004, Hotel Chocolat operates across the chocolate value chain, from cacao cultivation in Saint Lucia to manufacturing in the UK, with a focus on ethical sourcing and premium product development.