Auberge du Chocolat, in Chess Business Park, will shut shop as owners Anne and Ian Scott, who have been running the company for 15 years, retire.

The couple said they were closing after the pandemic “hit us very hard”.

The firm has won more than 100 national awards, including 43 ‘Great Taste’ golds, for its products.

Joint MD Anne said: “We’ve had a fun and successful time with Auberge, but the pandemic has hit us very hard and we’ve decided that now is the time to retire.

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“The last year has been a challenge with the many rule changes and lockdowns and although the country’s situation has improved it would take several years to get back to where we were – we are both 66-years-old and it’s time for a change.

“Like many small family companies none of our children wish to take over the business – they are far too successful in their careers.”

She said the company is having a closing down sale and is selling off its stock of ice cream and chocolate, along with packaging, ingredients, equipment and sales furniture.

Mrs Scott added: “It has been a pleasure to be a part of Chesham and we have made many friends. We shall miss you all.”

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Covid-19 has hit the hospitality and retail sectors particularly hard, with many businesses in Bucks closing down, including retail giant Arcadia.

Pret a Manger, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Frankie and Bennie’s, Monsoon and Thorntons are among the big-name shops that have shut their doors during the pandemic.

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