Chocolate Candy in the U.S., 9th Edition

The $20 billion U.S. chocolate industry is a mature, differentiated and demanding food category—making it a challenge for marketers of chocolate products seeking to distinguish themselves from the competition. From this perspective, Chocolate Candy in the U.S. examines the current state of the industry and where the growth will be over the next five years. While the country remains challenged by economic doldrums, chocolate in the near term will continue to outpace overall food market growth. Factors spurring continued dollar gains in the chocolate market include:

• The success and increasingly widespread acceptance of premium chocolates, spurred both by consumers’ desire to indulge in this “affordable luxury” and by the influence of foodie culture

• Growth of chocolate retailers, both through franchise expansion and by successful independent shops looking to expand their footprints

• Continued innovation in packaging and flavors by major and niche chocolate manufactures alike

• Increased marketing support and advertising expenditures

• Rising prices at retail, driven in part by higher input costs

Chocolate Candy in the U.S. measures the size and analyzes the growth factors for the U.S. chocolate market based upon primary and secondary research, including chocolate product shopper insights from Packaged Facts’ online consumer panel as well as SymphonyIRI data for mass-market channels, SPINSscan data for natural and gourmet grocers, and national consumer survey data from Experian Simmons.

This report will help:

• Marketing managers identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans for chocolate

• Research and development professionals stay on top of competitor initiatives and explore demand for products by type

• Advertising agencies working with clients in the food industry understand the product buyer to develop messages and images that spur consumer purchase

• Business development executives understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships

• Information and research center librarians provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with the vital information they need to do achieve their goals more efficiently