Pret founder Metcalfe toasts chocolate drinks-maker Knoops

The founder of Itsu and Pret A Manger is joining the board of Knoops, the fast-growing retailer of chocolate-based drinks.

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

Mr Metcalfe will join alongside Alice Avis, the former chair and chief executive of Sanctuary Spa Group.

The capital-raising is being led by Andrew Gertie, the co-founder of Lush, the cosmetics chain.

Knoops said the new funding would be used to aid its international expansion.

The chain, run by CEO William Gordon-Harris, has 20 stores across the UK, with new openings planned for cities including Belfast and York.

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

“They don’t come around that often and I applaud their leadership and vision.”

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

The new appointments are expected to be announced on Monday.