Major UK chocolate maker plunged into administration after 40 years
Marasu’s Petit Fours was founded in 1986 and supplies Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges with luxury chocolates
Marasu’s Petit Fours has gone into administration(Image: Getty)
A renowned UK chocolate manufacturer has revealed it is entering administration following four decades of trading. Marasu’s Petit Fours was established in 1986 by patissiers Rolf Kern and Gabi Kohler, who aimed to craft luxury chocolates for London’s finest establishments.
The London-based company was purchased by the Prestat Group in 2006 and has subsequently provided products to Prestat, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, and Harrods. It stands as London’s biggest manufacturer of premium chocolates with yearly output exceeding 300 ton from its 25,000 sq ft facilities in Park Royal.
Marasu’s appointed administrators on February 6, with the announcement made today (February 17), reports the Express.
The cause of its downfall remains unclear; nevertheless, it comes after Prestat’s entry into administration.
The luxury chocolatier, established in 1902, closed its historic Piccadilly shop in central London last week, amid escalating financial strain from weak sales and rocketing cocoa prices.
In recent years, the chocolate sector has battled with global cocoa prices climbing to record peaks in 2024 and cocoa harvests being damaged by disease and severe weather, including floods and droughts, in major producing nations such as Ghana and the Ivory Coast, which collectively represent approximately 60% of the world’s production.
The firm also allegedly encountered challenges after trying to broaden its market using premium cocoa varieties such as Criollo, making it susceptible to cheaper rivals. The closure forms part of a prepack administration arrangement that will see the brand acquired by chocolate manufacturer L’Artisan du Chocolat, which belongs to Polus Capital Management.
The arrangement was finalised before administrators were officially appointed and includes the purchase of Prestat for a token amount by L’Artisan du Chocolat. Through the agreement, Prestat is anticipated to carry on as a web-only brand.
Prestat possessed two Royal Warrants and boasted the Royal Family, including Princess Diana, amongst its most celebrated clientele. In 2003, The Economist magazine even declared it amongst the world’s top three chocolate establishments.
The Piccadilly outlet sparked inspiration for Roald Dahl, who mentioned Prestat’s truffles in his novel My Uncle Oswald. The establishment, which remained amongst the few to persist in crafting its own chocolates, is also believed to have influenced the magical confectionery shop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
