Until recently, this name was synonymous with refinement and tradition. For nearly four decades, the company shaped the culture of premium chocolate, working with some of the most prestigious department stores and luxury brands. Its creations were chosen for special occasions, presented at royal events, and regarded as a benchmark of impeccable quality. But this week, the market was shaken by the news: after 40 years in business, the renowned chocolate maker has officially entered administration.
What happened to a company that had survived generational change, economic crises, and shifting consumer tastes? In recent years, the industry has been under intense pressure. Cocoa prices surged to record highs in 2024 as crops were devastated by extreme weather and disease. At the same time, energy, logistics, and labor costs continued to rise. Even the most resilient players began to lose financial stability.
Administrators were appointed on 6 February, shortly after the closure of the parent company’s flagship store, which had been operating for more than a century. A pre-pack deal is expected to see the brand sold to another manufacturer, allowing part of the business to continue operating online. However, it remains unclear how many jobs could ultimately be at risk.
The company in question is Marasu’s Petit Fours — one of London’s largest manufacturers of luxury chocolates, founded in 1987 by Rolf Kern and Gabi Kohler. The firm produced more than 300 tonnes of chocolate annually, supplying major names such as Selfridges, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and others. In 2006, it was acquired by Prestat, the legendary chocolatier said to have inspired Roald Dahl, who mentioned its truffles in his novel My Uncle Oswald.
The story of Marasu’s Petit Fours serves as yet another warning sign for the wider market. Following a wave of collapses across retail and fashion, the downfall of a symbol of chocolate luxury shows that even decades of reputation offer no guaranteed protection against global economic storms.
