MarketLooks: The U.S. Market for Chocolate

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Title: The U.S. Market for Chocolate
Published: September 2007

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The following is the abstract from the full report:
With 2006 sales estimated at close to $16 billion through all channels, chocolate is forecast to grow to $18 billion by 2011, according to the U.S. Market for Chocolate, a fully updated Packaged Facts report. Strong consumer interest in the reported health benefits of dark chocolate and a general trend towards product premiumization (including organic and fair trade products) are offsetting steady declines in other categories, such as sugar-free and novelty products. For example, the market share for premium chocolate grew from 13% of the total market in 2002 to nearly 17% in 2006.

This report measures the size of the market and looks at overall growth factors. Then it describes specific trends and opportunities that support continued market growth. The analysis includes a discussion of how major chocolate manufacturers are structuring their new product development and marketing initiatives to stay on top of this market. Other topics of study include supply issues and consumer buying behavior.

Report Methodology
The U.S. Market for Chocolate relies upon several data sources that track chocolate sales. Statistics on manufacturer shipments are collected annually by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). Retail chocolate sales data for this report have been provided under special arrangement with Information Resources, Inc. (IRI). Global confectionery sales data are published by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), which also provided detailed statistics for U.S. retail sales and consumption. Chocolate consumption data are available from the NCA for the United States and CAOBISCO (Association des Industries de la Chocolaterie, Biscuiterie et Confiserie de l’E.U.) for the European Union. Detailed consumer profiles of key demographics, including breakouts by gender, race/ethnicity, and household composition, are provided, based on Simmons Market Research Bureau data.

About the Author
C. Curtis Vreeland is a specialist with 20 years experience in the confectionery industry, conducting market research, trends analysis and product development. He has published nearly two dozen articles in trade and consumer publications. Additionally, he created and manages the Next Generation Chocolatier competition that selects America's best new artisanal chocolate makers. Curtis has an MS in Applied Economics from Cornell. He is Principal & Senior Consultant at Vreeland & Associates, where he consults with a number of small to large confectioners.