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Ritter Sport has appointed Christian Boulter as managing director of its UK and Ireland business, following the resignation of Benedict Daniels after more than a decade at the helm.

Boulter, who joined the German chocolate manufacturer in 2025 as sales director, takes over the leadership role as Ritter Sport looks to build on strong growth in the UK chocolate market.

The company said the appointment would provide continuity as it enters its next phase of expansion. During Daniels’ tenure, Ritter Sport’s UK business grew from a niche European chocolate brand into what the company describes as the UK’s fastest-growing block chocolate brand.

The business has now passed £25m in UK retail sales, with distribution across every major grocery retailer and a position as one of the category’s leading challenger brands.

Daniels joined Ritter Sport in 2014, having previously held commercial roles with FMCG businesses including Ferrero, Britvic and Kettle Foods. Over his more than 10 years with the company, he oversaw the development of the UK operation into one of Ritter Sport’s strongest international markets.

His departure comes as the brand continues to focus on expanding its consumer reach while maintaining its positioning around quality and accessibility.

Boulter worked alongside Daniels following his arrival in 2025 and has been involved in the company’s commercial strategy, relationships with major retail customers, marketing activity and distribution growth.

His promotion from sales director to managing director signals a focus on maintaining momentum while building on the existing commercial strategy.

Boulter said: “Consumers are buying chocolate differently today. They may be buying less often, but they're expecting more from every purchase."

The comments come as chocolate brands across the grocery sector navigate changing purchasing patterns while competing for consumer spending.

Daniels said he was leaving the business with a strong team, customer relationships and a solid platform for future growth.

“I couldn't think of a better person to lead the next phase of Ritter Sport's growth,” he said of Boulter.

Boulter said Daniels had established strong foundations for the business during his tenure and that he was looking forward to leading its next chapter across the UK and Ireland.