bake - May 2017 - 34

chocolate & decorating

Seasonal Chocolate
New research from Mintel reveals that sea-

"Chocolate confectionery had an uneven

sonal launches accounted for one quarter

year in 2016. Volume sales in developed

of chocolate new product launches in

markets like the US remained ﬂat, while

2016, the biggest area of chocolate new

the picture was a bit brighter in emerging

product development.

markets like Poland and India, where sales
generally fared better. Our research reveals

"Our research shows that seasonal choco-

that changes in per capita consumption

late tops all chocolate new product devel-

points to an important shift in consumers'

opment, a testament to the popularity of

eating habits, as consumption of choco-

seasonal treats among consumers across

late confectionery is declining in the top

the globe. This reﬂects the fact that these

ﬁve markets," Mogelonsky says.

products are typically bought to help celebrate holidays or special occasions," says

"The big issues revolve around permis-

Marcia Mogelonsky, director of insight for

sibility and the blurring of lines between

Mintel Food and Drink. "With this in mind,

snacks and confectionery. Even though

seasonal chocolate is somewhat immune

boundaries are fading, there is still some-

to recessionary pressures, as these prod-

thing about chocolate confectionery that

ucts are bought on an occasional basis."

has remained constant. Chocolate is still a
treat and, as something special, it typi-

When it comes to chocolate spend per

cally gets a pass. While consumers may be

head, the United Kingdom sits atop the

looking for more healthy foods, they will

leaderboard. In 2016, the average British

trade health for indulgence when it comes

consumer indulged in 8.61 kg of chocolate

to chocolate."

per capita. This was followed by Switzerland (8.59 kg per capita), Germany (8.32

Proving chocolate lovers have a heart, in-

kg per capita), Russia (6.57 kg per capita)

terest in ethical products remains relatively

and Austria (5.37 kg per capita).

strong, with 17 percent of new products
claiming some sort of "ethical-human"

While the UK leads in terms of per capita

positioning, which could include fair

consumption, when it comes to volume

trade, Rainforest Alliance or some other,

sales the US leads the way. In 2016, the US

independent "bean-to-bar" certiﬁcation.

consumed a whopping 1.3 million tonnes

Although still a small part of the category,

worth of chocolate, followed by Russia

accounting for less than six percent of

with 979 thousand tonnes, Germany at

global new product introductions in 2016,

680 thousand tonnes, and the UK at 555

launches of chocolate confectionery with

thousand tonnes. Meanwhile, in Canada,

an organic claim increased six percent

consumers consumed a modest 148 thou-

between 2014 and 2016.

sand tonnes of chocolate in 2016.
Says Mogelonsky, "As interest in healthy
In recent years, the chocolate confection-

sweets continues to rise, the availability of

ery market has continued to see growth,

chocolate that offers organic or all natural

though at a very slow rate. In the US, sales

positioning will be desirable as consumers

were ﬂat over the past two years.

look for better-for-you options."

34 < MAY 2017 | bakemag.com

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