Chocolate retailer Koko Black has been put into voluntary administration, but will continue trading through Christmas.

According to Smart Company, notices published by the Australian and Securities and Investments Commission show Deloitte has been hired to manage the company.

The names that have gone into administration include Koko Black Group Pty Ltd, Koko Black Holding Pty Ltd, Koko Black Retail Pty Ltd, Koko Black Chocolate Pty Ltd and Koko Black Royal, which trades as Koko Black.

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A store in New Zealand is not included in the action, however outlets around Australia are.

Koko Black employs approximately 300 people in its warehouse and retail operations, based in Melbourne’s inner-north.

The first Koko Black store opened in Melbourne in 2003.

Deloitte administrator Salvatore Alegri told Smart Company he urged the public to continue supporting the business.

“The business expanded very rapidly and undertook a series of major projects over the past 18 months,” Mr Alegri said.

“In combination, the level of activity was beyond the resources of the business.

“It’s important that customers, suppliers and employees understand that it’s business as usual.

“We will be examining all options to recapitalise and restructure the business with a view to underpinning its future viability and growth.”

The news comes after another chocolate maker, Ernest Hillier, collapsed in January 2015.