ZURICH, Switzerland – Chocolate confectionery is an important and dynamic market, expected to be worth over €107 billion / $128 billion in global retail sales by the end of 2023, with volume growth of 1.9% CAGR over the next 3 years to 2025. Innovation has a key role to play in that growth projection to meet the latest needs of consumers. Depending on their mood or mindset, consumers have a specific attitude towards life which will determine the type of indulgence they choose.
While there will always be a need for Intense indulgence experiences, Barry Callebaut expect consumers to increasingly have a soft health approach to life, increasing the Mindful indulgence space. Meanwhile, Healthy indulgence is definitely a trend to watch within the confectionery segment in the years to come.
Intense indulge
Consumers look for intense indulgence when they want to enjoy life to the fullest. 71% of global consumers agree that when they want to celebrate, they choose something with chocolate in it.
For chocolate confectionery, this means consumers will continue to seek multi-sensoriality, exclusivity, seasonality, storytelling about origin, craftsmanship, and treats that help them celebrate.
2. Mindful indulgence
Chocolate that is not only tasty, but also good for me and good for the planet.
Consumers want to indulge without compromising their (physical and mental) well-being, the health of others or the planet. 3 out of 4 global consumers agree that chocolate needs to be tasty, good for them and good for the planet.
There is growing demand for chocolate treats that meet these needs, including plant-based, reduced sugar, sustainably sourced and traceable ingredients.
3. Healthy indulgence
Chocolate fortified and functional, a food for health. Consumers looking for healthy indulgences actively and intentionally make choices that have a positive impact on their health.
65% of global consumers would love a healthy-boosted chocolate, with macro/micronutrients for example. This is an emerging trend for chocolate confectionery, with proven health benefits like vitamins, minerals, fibers, and flavanols being claimed on innovative new products.
