US: Chocolate recession resistant - study

By just-food.com | 24 June 2009

Chocolate and candy remains recession resistant, according to research by the National Confectioners Association's (NCA).

The Confectionery Industry Trend Report 2009 showed that experimenting with flavours, flexibility and variety, confectionery makers are thinking "outside the bar" to provide consumers with chocolate and candy innovation that will drive consumer purchasing over the next five years.

Even in economic uncertainty, the industry continues to post gains, the report said.

"Insight from the confectionery industry's leading influentials provides an appetizing future for consumers and the industry alike," said NCA president Larry Graham. "Chocolate and confections are treats that consumers can count on to be affordable luxuries."

The report found that top line category trends include chocolate explosion, health benefits, flavour infusions and international influences.

Experts believe the next "big" trend in confections will be healthier confectionery options, according to almost nine out of ten (88%) experts surveyed for the report.

"Already, we are seeing consumers embrace portion-control sized treats and the potential heart health benefits of higher cacao content in chocolate. As consumers continue to lead healthy lifestyles, health benefits will heavily influence manufacturers to focus largely on developing 'better for you' confections, especially new types of enhanced chocolate treats," Graham said.

Sectors: Confectionery