Salt and dark chocolate combo trend prompts Divine to launch new flavors

Nearly two years after the UK chocolate company secured major US retail listings​​, Divine is following the latest salt and dark chocolate combo trend with new products: Dark Chocolate with Pink Himalayan Salt and Dark Chocolate with Toffee and Sea Salt.

“It is important we continue to evolve our range and deliver premium products that respond to consumer trends,”​ CEO Sophi Tranchell told ConfectioneryNews. “The combination of salt and dark chocolate is increasingly popular."​

These two new flavors are added to Divine’s 3.5 ounce bar range and will be sold across US retail channels including natural, grocery and specialty.

“Our growing range of dark chocolate products responds to increasing interest in higher cocoa products, as consumers trade up to more premium chocolates, and make conscious choices about their health and diet,”​ Tranchell added.

Aiming to build new US and UK partnerships​

Divine merged its US and UK businesses​​ last year, and the company believes the move has provided a more solid platform for its growth. It has reported a 57% sales growth​​ between 2014 and 2015, driven by the US market.

“​We are fresh from merging our UK and US businesses, and are pleased with the diversity of the channels we are in, both in UK and US and plan to continue to build on our successes,”​ Tranchell said.

This year, Divine expects to grow in response to a changing environment in the chocolate industry, she added. “Retailers and consumers are looking more towards premium, sustainable, and transparent brands that reflect their tastes and values.​”

“We aim to build strong relationships with new customers and partners in USA and UK, and are continuing to explore new channels in our other territories,”​ Tranchell said.

As a fair trade and farmer-owned​​ chocolate company, Divine also hopes to see agreements among the chocolate industry on how to manage sustainability in the cocoa supply chain.