Premium hot drinks firm Whittard of Chelsea has hit £49.8m in revenue after international sales soared by more than a quarter (26%) in 2024.
The coffee, tea and hot chocolate business achieved its fourth consecutive year of growth, filing a 9.1% boost in turnover in 2024.
UK sales made up the lion’s share of the top line at £42m, up 6.5% on 2023, with like-for-like sales growth of 6% beating the sector average, according to BRC/KPMG figures.
And international expansion at the 139-year-old business continued apace in 2024 with the opening of its US office in New York and a warehouse in Dallas.
Sales overseas, where Whittard sells its products in premium retailers and department stores in Asia, Europe, US and the Middle East, swelled to £7.8m, up from around £6.2m.
Operating profits at the business climbed 12% to £2.4m, with rising costs more than offset by sales and margin growth.
“There is no doubt we are operating under a tough backdrop, but we remain focused on our priorities, ensuring we have continued growth momentum that can outpace rising costs,” said Whittard CEO Nathan Smith.
The company now operates 40 retail stores in the UK, alongside its online DTC business and listings in John Lewis and Amazon.
Its online presence is an important part of its growth, according to Smith, who added a “key success factor” had been the company’s customer-led focus.
“Building a better understanding of our loyal customers was supported by the launch of our new Whittard rewards loyalty programme – with our annual membership target achieved in just six months,” he said.
“As well as improved retention metrics, we also saw improved levels of customer acquisition with our active customer database growing 9% year on year.”
In 2025, Whittard plans to continue its growth spurt with further store openings and listings, including with global travel retailer Avolta.
“H1 2025 is following a similar pattern to 2024, with rising cost pressures being offset by stronger trading results,” Smith said.
“The highlights so far this year include a strengthening of the loyalty community, continued product innovation, new UK stores, launching with Avolta at all major UK airports, and continued growing demand in both China and the US.”
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