The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has released a detailed look at chocolate consumers, which found that while preferences for dark, milk and white chocolate vary widely across age groups, a new generation of Millennial shoppers is impacting the chocolate retail experience.
The report, carried out in collaboration with The Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), explains the demographics of the chocolate consumer as well as overall chocolate purchasing patterns. Providing choice to the consumer continues to be key as the preferences for types of chocolate and cacao percentages, and added flavors or ingredients vary widely across age groups and demographics.
What lies ahead
“This deep analysis of the chocolate consumer should be helpful to everyone in the industry – from manufacturers to suppliers and our retail customers,” John Downs, NCA president & CEO, said. “Understanding how people enjoy chocolate helps us develop a clearer idea of what lies ahead for this very important part of the confectionery industry. Chocolate is a significant piece of our industry, representing about 60% of the confectionery industry’s sales, or nearly $21 billion annually.”
The report also divides chocolate consumers into three segments, with distinct definitions for a mainstream chocolate consumer, a premium chocolate consumer and a fine chocolate consumer. Findings from the report indicate the fine chocolate consumer explores a variety of channels to locate small artisan chocolatiers that source high quality cacao.
“The insights show that Millennials are changing purchasing patterns for chocolate, with an above average preference for fine chocolate and likelihood for purchasing treats at supercenters, specialty/organic stores and alternative channels,” said Anne-Marie Roerink, principal and founder of 210 Analytics LLC, who conducted the report’s research. “In line with the generation’s socially-conscious reputation, we found that Millennial shoppers also demonstrate a clear preference for certifications and specific production and ingredient claims.”
Socially conscious
Bill Guyton, executive director of FCIA, said: “We found that the fine chocolate consumer is generally younger, more socially conscious and more driven by experimentation and trial, even if they already have a favorite chocolatier. Fine chocolate consumers believe small-batch chocolate has a superior taste and are willing to seek it out, visiting farmer’s markets, festivals and specialty online channels more frequently than other chocolate consumers.”
- There will be a deep dive ‘Getting to Know the (Fine) Chocolate Consumer’ session on the report during the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago on Wednesday, May 22 at 1 pm.