This surge in chocolate-eating can be seen across chocolate bars, chocolate blocks and boxes of chocolate. In 2015, 52% of Australians over the age of 14 consumed chocolate bars in any month, up from 48% in 2013, 43% enjoyed chocolate blocks (up from 40%) and 19% tucked into boxed chocolates (up from 17%).
Cadbury topping the list for each of these categories. The brand’s 50g bars and pocket were found to be the most widely-consumed chocolate bar, eaten by 17% of Australians—or 3.2 million people—each month. Cadbury Dairy Milk, consumed by 12%, was far ahead other block brands, and Cadbury Favourites came first in the boxed-chocolate category with 5.0% of the market.
“Whether we’re eating it for its purported brain-boosting or mood-enhancing qualities, or simply for its taste, more Australians are enjoying chocolate in an average four-week period than we were back in 2013. This rise in consumption can be seen across all categories, many brands and both genders,” said Andrew Price of Roy Morgan Research, which conducted the survey.
“Among the brands that have benefitted from this chocolate-eating upswing, Cadbury is the obvious example: since 2013, there has been an increase in the proportions of Aussies choosing their 50g bars, Cherry Ripe, Fruit & Nut and Hazelnut blocks, and boxes of Roses. Lindt has also made inroads in the block and boxed categories; while consumption of Nestlé-owned Kit Kat is also up.”