September 25, 2024 – Chocolate is an icon of indulgence and comfort in the food and beverage industry. While this product is a mainstay in Europe, consumer preferences toward chocolate products are continuously evolving. Innova’s 360 research into the chocolate confectionery trends highlights product launches and how the demand for innovations and healthier options is driving market growth in the European chocolate Confectionery industry.
Product Launch and Sales Trends
Europe leads in chocolate confectionery cluster sales value over the past year. European chocolate confectionery trends research shows that nearly 1 in 4 consumers have increased their consumption of chocolate because of the variety and novelty available. Cross-category innovations prepared with desserts like nougat, marshmallow, and panna cotta paired with cookie pieces, brownies, and cakes cater to consumers seeking diverse and novel taste experiences.
Over the past five years, chocolate confectionery launches have displayed a fluctuating trend in Europe. The sales value growth is higher than launches during the same period. Thirty-seven percent of consumers in Europe prefer limiting or reducing non-healthy ingredients as the best way to make indulgent food and beverage categories healthier. In line with this preference, there has been a 6% and 18% growth in no added sugar and reduced sugar claims in chocolate confectionery launches over the past four years. This aligns with Innova’s annual trend of 2024, ‘Indulging in Health,’ where consumers seek indulgent foods that are also mindful of their health and wellness goals by limiting unhealthy ingredients.
Leading Markets and Subcategories
The UK leads Europe in chocolate confectionery launches over the past year, with Germany and France following closely. Italy, however, shows the highest growth rate at 17% CAGR over the last three years.
European chocolate confectionery trends research reveals that in Italy, consumers prefer dark unsweetened, dark bittersweet types of chocolate. Options in a range of cocoa content of 60% to 100% and choices filled with nuts like hazelnut, almond, pistachio, and peanut have moved the launches in the region.
Chocolate blocks is the top subcategory, with 34% of launches in Europe over the past four years. This is followed by chocolate pieces – unwrapped and wrapped, other chocolate Confectionery and chocolate bars.
Top Companies in the European Confectionary Market
Lindt & Sprüngli, Nestlé, Aldi, Mondelez, and Lidl are the top 5 companies for chocolate confectionery cluster launches in Europe. European chocolate confectionery trends research that these companies account for 30% of launches in the region over the past year.
Lindt & Sprüngli is the top company for the cluster launches in Europe, driven by its leading brand, Lindt. The brand has launched a new TV advertisement in support of its classic Easter Gold Bunny, which is one of the most instantly recognizable seasonal treats. Easter editions prepared in relatable shapes like Easter eggs, bunnies, and carrots and assorted selections remain attractive at the company.
Top Positionings in the European Confectionary Market
Seasonal-Easter is the top claim in the chocolate confectionery market. This is followed by gluten-free, vegetarian, seasonal-Christmas, and children (5–12 years).
Apart from these top 5 positionings, seasonal – Valentine’s, no additives or preservatives, and limited edition claims are gaining popularity in the United Kingdom, while consumers in Germany lean towards seasonal – Valentine’s, palm oil free, and reduced sugar. In the Netherlands, natural, vegan, and no additives or preservatives claims are also gaining consumer attention. Meanwhile, in France, seasonal – Valentine’s, no additives or preservatives, and natural claims are on the rise. European chocolate confectionery trends research displays that in Italy, consumers are interested in seasonal – other, seasonal – Valentine’s and vegan claims. This reflects a growing consumer interest in both festive and health-conscious offerings, with brands tapping into special occasions while also addressing dietary preferences and cleaner labels.
Chocolate Confectionary Flavor Trends
Hazelnut, almond, caramel, nougat, and orange are the top 5 flavors in the European chocolate confectionery market. Apart from the top 5 flavors, praline, cherry, biscuit, pistachio, and peanut butter flavors are growing strongly in the space. This rise in diverse and indulgent flavors reflects consumers’ increasing desire for variety and novel taste experiences. Brands are introducing innovative combinations that not only satisfy traditional preferences but also cater to evolving palates.
Sustainability Trends in the Chocolate Confectionary Market
In Europe, 1 in 4 consumers consider sustainability as an important value in their food choices. This is driving growth in chocolate confectionery launches with ethical-environmental claims. Certifications like FSC/Rainforest Alliance and companies adopting sustainable practices like Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program and Nestlé Cocoa Plan reflect their commitment to environmentally responsible choices.
European chocolate confectionery trends research shows that companies are also embracing climate-neutral choices, green energy, and regenerative agriculture, highlighting their dedication to eco-friendly production. This aligns with another Innova’s annual trend of 2024, ‘Nurturing Nature,’ where brands go beyond sustainability to actively contribute to environmental conservation.
What’s Next in the European Chocolate Confectionary Market?
The United Kingdom leads Europe in chocolate confectionery launches, setting a high standard for innovation. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly driving chocolate confectionery market, with 1 in 5 Europeans saying they have increased their chocolate consumption due to its perceived health benefits. Reflecting this, 27% of recent launches feature health claims such as no additives, organic, and GM-free, appealing to those seeking minimal processing and clean labels.
Furthermore, nearly 3 in 5 European consumers prioritize taste when buying chocolate, fueling a 3% growth in flavored launches. To gain consumer attention, brands can innovate more indulgent flavors like nuts and berry fruits in their offerings. Brands that blend health claims with indulgent flavors are likely to lead in the European chocolate confectionery market.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview of Chocolate Confectionery in Europe report. Find out more about this report by booking a demo or reach out to us using our Contact Form.
