HOTC.L Regulatory News (HOTC)

21 April 2017

HOTEL CHOCOLAT GROUP PLC

("Hotel Chocolat", the "Company" or the "Group")

Appointment of Non-Executive Director

Hotel Chocolat Group plc, a premium British chocolatier and omni-channel retailer, is pleased to announce today the appointment of Greg Hodder as Non-executive Director with effect from 1 May 2017.

Greg brings with him a wealth of experience from the retail sector, having previously been chief executive of Charles Tyrwhitt. Prior to joining Charles Tyrwhitt, he was chief executive of Direct Wines. Greg is currently a Non-executive Director of Majestic Wine plc.

Commenting on his appointment, Greg Hodder said:

'I have always been a great fan of Hotel Chocolat and I can see that the business has some fantastic opportunities for continued profitable growth. I am delighted to be joining the board.'

Angus Thirlwell, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer added:

'Having someone with Greg's experience and track record is a great fit for us at this stage of our growth.'

Notes to Editors:

Hotel Chocolat is a premium British chocolatier with a strong and distinct brand. The business was founded in 1993 by Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris and has traded under the Hotel Chocolat brand since 2003. The Group sells its products online and through a network of stores in the UK and abroad. The Group has two restaurants in the UK and a cocoa plantation and hotel in Saint Lucia. The Group was admitted to trading on AIM in 2016.

Brian Gregory Hodder (aged 65 years) holds or has held the following directorships or partnerships in the past five years:

Save as disclosed, there are no other disclosures required in relation to Rule 17 or paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 of the AIM Rules for Companies.