“They’re there without fail. Choc Affair never lets us down. I don’t know of anybody that can offer the range and quality of products at that speed, with that superior level of service at the same price.”
Erica Lee, Group Retail Manager
With over 2 million visitors each year, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, stretches across 500 acres and is home to the world’s largest seed conservation project. Among its treasures is the Marianne North Gallery, which showcases more than 800 extraordinary paintings. Marianne North herself was an artist and explorer who, in a remarkable act of generosity, offered to build the gallery at Kew in exchange for the opportunity to display her artwork.
Since joining Kew in 2018 as a Buying and Merchandising Assistant, Rachel Wicking-Anderson has played a key role in shaping the visitor experience. By 2021, she had stepped into the lead role of Gift Buyer for both the online and on-site shops, curating products that delight visitors while reflecting Kew’s unique identity.
As Kew’s trusted chocolate partner for several years, we have collaborated closely to create bespoke flavours that sit perfectly alongside their carefully curated gift range. The Chilli Dark Chocolate, a firm favourite, is so popular that over 43,000 bars are sold every year—bringing a little extra sweetness to visitors’ memories of Kew.
Our private labelling services have allowed Kew to showcase highlights from the Marianne North Gallery through exclusive chocolate packaging. With a redesign project on the horizon, we are working hand-in-hand with Rachel and her team to create fresh designs that complement the gift shop’s offerings, ensuring every visitor can take home a small piece of Kew.
In 2024, the introduction of our new packaging machine allowed the bespoke Kew range to be wrapped in elegant envelope wrappers, fully encasing each chocolate bar. The result is a luxurious finish that enhances the experience for visitors while supporting increased profits for the shop.
Choc Affair has also had the privilege of working alongside Kew’s team in Colombia, witnessing firsthand the impact of their cocoa sourcing. Rachel was invited on the most recent trip, where she planted her very own cocoa tree—a tree that could one day contribute beans to a Choc Affair bar, potentially landing on Kew Gardens’ shelves for visitors to enjoy.
Through creativity, collaboration, and a shared love of chocolate and nature, Kew and Choc Affair continue to bring something truly special to every visitor.
PROUD TO
ACHEIVE
