A jump in sales at upmarket chocolate chain Hotel Chocolat has led to a 25% rise in pre-tax profits to £2.6m.

Hotel Chocolat reported a 12% increase in sales to £59.9m in the 12 months to the end of June. It attributed the success to sales of pink champagne truffles and its Glorious Great Britain chocolate postcards.

The company has also appointed Mike Doyle, formerly of Premier Foods and Marks & Spencer, as finance director. Peter Harris, co-founder and former finance director, will now focus more of his time on the group’s strategy in the newly created role of development director.

Hotel Chocolat co-founder and chief executive Angus Thirlwell said: “A sales increase of 12% during the year is a good result in the current consumer environment, highlighting both the commitment of our dedicated staff and passion of our loyal customer base for outstanding quality chocolate.

“Despite challenging economic conditions the Group is well positioned to pursue its strategy of selective growth in the current year, and I remain confident about future prospects.”

The 60-store chain opened in 12 new locations last year including Edinburgh, Covent Garden in London and New York.

The business invested in manufacturing improvements and efficiencies at Hotel Chocolat’s factory in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire in the year.