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The vast majority of global consumers – nearly two-thirds – have purchased chocolate products in the past year. These consumers are setting clear requirements regarding their purchasing motivations, flavor preferences, and the values ​​they expect from the product https://www.transmigrarts.com/

New product launch growth

From 2018 to 2022, the number of new product launches in the chocolate industry increased steadily, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately +3% . Despite a slight downturn during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, the market quickly recovered and returned to growth in 2022.

The motivations behind chocolate consumption.

According to surveys, the top reason consumers choose chocolate is its delicious taste  , a response that topped the list in most countries. Other purchasing motivations include:

• Make yourself happy: 55% of consumers.

• Enjoyment/Satisfaction: 40% .

• Rewarding yourself: 36% .

• Relaxation and stress relief: 33% .

Consumer preferences & product design

More than half of global consumers say they eat chocolate at least once a week . Of those, about 53% eat chocolate bars or slices, and 54% eat chocolate candies, truffles, or similar products.

Flavor & Additional Ingredients

Innovation in flavor and ingredient additions to chocolate continues to thrive. Within the “inclusion” category, nuts remain the most popular addition. The top four from 2018 to the present are: hazelnuts , almonds , caramel , and peanuts .

At the same time, “non-traditional” flavors are being explored by consumers: from 2018 to 2022, more than 100 new flavors were launched. The top 5 prominent flavor trends include: brownie , date , yogurt , honeycomb , and salt .

Environmental trends, consumer values, and sustainable development.

A key trend is the sharp increase in environmental claims in chocolate products: in confectionery launches, 24% included an environmental claim, compared to only 9% in 2018. The top three trending claim categories in new products are: environment, packaging, and human-related.
Regarding consumer values: Innova’s survey shows that the number one concern for global consumers remains the health of the planet . While consumers don’t always make purchasing decisions based on this, the environment and human rights can play a “pointing game” when choosing between products. 
Two main consequences stem from these values:

• Sustainable and fair-trade farming is gaining more traction as consumers want to see a transparent supply chain from raw materials to finished products.

• The trend towards plant-based products – such as vegan or vegetarian – in chocolate is on the rise. For example, using alternatives to cow’s milk, such as oat milk, almond milk, or hazelnut paste, to create cocoa-based chocolates/sweets without using traditional milk.

Predicting upcoming trends

• The entire “bean-to-bar” process will have to place greater emphasis on sustainability: from protecting and regenerating the environment to ensuring fair working conditions for farmers and supply chain workers.

• There will be more chocolate products that claim to be “no added sugar” and use natural sweeteners.

• Plant-based, vegan, and plant-derived products will become more common in the chocolate industry.