Pret founder Metcalfe toasts chocolate drinks maker Knoops

Itsu and Pret A Manger founder joins board of Knoops, fast-growing chocolate-based drinks retailer.

Knoops, which is in the process of raising £5m to fund its expansion, is to announce that shareholder Julian Metcalfe will become a non-executive director, Sky News reports.

Mr Metcalfe will join the team alongside Alice Avis, former Chair and CEO of Sanctuary Spa Group.

The fundraising campaign is led by Andrew Gertie, co-founder of the Lush beauty chain.

Knoops said the new funds will be used to support the company’s international expansion.

The chain, headed by William Gordon-Harris, has 20 stores in the UK and plans to open new stores in cities including Belfast and York.

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“Knoops, like Itsu, is a pioneering, confident brand with a sense of purpose and a passion for quality,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“They don’t come around very often, and I appreciate their leadership and vision.”

Ms Avis added: “I truly believe Knoops has found a real sweet spot in the food and drink market and has an exciting international future ahead of it.”

The new nominations are expected to be announced on Monday.