The collapse of a UK chocolate firm has come amid 'increasingly challenging' conditions for UK chocolatiers, a major rival has said.

Premium chocolate company Whitakers has spoken out about rival Marasu's Petit Fours and its plunge into administration.

Marasu's Petit Fours announced it had ceased trading after being in business since 1986, ending its supply to big names like Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Harrods.

The company became London's largest producer of upmarket chocolates, producing more than 300 tonnes a year from its 25,000 square foot base in Park Royal.

But on February 6, the firm appointed administrators Alessandro Sidoli and Jessica Barker of Xeinadin Corporate Recovery Limited following a turbulent time for the chocolate industry in general.

This April, fellow chocolatier Whitaker issued a statement about the collapse of Marasu's and shed some light on the difficulties the chocolate industry is facing.

It said: "It's always sad to hear of another British chocolate manufacturer closing its doors, and the recent news that Marasu's Petit Fours has ceased trading is no exception.

"For many, it marks the loss of not just a business, but a brand with its own history, craftsmanship and loyal customer base.

"In an increasingly challenging market, stories like this are becoming more common, highlighting the pressures facing UK food producers today - from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

"Marasu's Petit Fours, a well-known name in the UK confectionery and gifting sector, has sadly gone into administration, marking the end of its trading operations.

"Like many food manufacturers, the business faced a combination of rising production costs, increased pressure on margins and a challenging retail environment.

"Administration is often a last resort for companies struggling to meet financial obligations, and in this case reflects the wider difficulties currently impacting the UK food and drink industry.

"From energy price increases to higher ingredient and packaging costs, many manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain operations.

"The closure of Marasu's Petit Fours serves as a reminder of just how tough the current climate is for confectionery businesses, particularly those operating in competitive and price-sensitive markets."

It added: "Rising cocoa prices, increased energy and production costs, and shifting consumer spending habits are placing unprecedented pressure on even the most established chocolate brands.

"Together, these closures and restructurings serve as a stark reminder that even heritage names with decades - or in some cases over a century - of history are not immune to the challenges facing UK manufacturing today.

"The UK chocolate industry is facing a perfect storm of challenges, making it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to operate sustainably.

"One of the most significant pressures is the rising cost of cocoa, which has seen unprecedented volatility in recent years due to poor harvests, climate change and global supply constraints.

"Alongside this, energy costs remain a major concern. Chocolate production is energy-intensive, requiring consistent temperature control throughout the manufacturing process. Continued fluctuations in energy prices have had a direct impact on production costs and overall profitability.

"There are also increasing costs across packaging, transport and raw materials, with inflation affecting everything from sugar and dairy to foils, films and cartons.

"These rising costs are often difficult to pass on fully to customers, particularly in a competitive and price-sensitive retail environment.

"At the same time, consumer behaviour is shifting.

"With the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, shoppers are becoming more selective with their spending, often reducing purchases of premium or giftable products in favour of more affordable options.

"Finally, the industry is navigating growing expectations around sustainability, transparency and ingredient quality, adding further complexity for manufacturers who must balance ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and cost control.

"Taken together, these challenges are creating a demanding landscape for UK chocolate producers, where resilience, adaptability and a clear focus on quality have never been more important."