Chocolate Buyer 2025

22 WHAT’S HOT Many trends arrive in the food industry and then vanish as quickly as they appeared, but a number seem set to stay – these can be considered symptoms of the evolution of consumer demands rather than flash-in-the-pan crazes, so are worth investing in. For example, health is increasingly becoming a key consideration for shoppers, andwith their time stretched they are looking for ways to boost their wellness via food – and if it is a delicious sweet treat, all the better. Seasonality also plays an important role here, andwhile every year brings its own new innovations, the classics will always win out year-on-year – think festive spicing for Christmas, romantic indulgence for Valentine’s Day and spooky novelty for Halloween. @specialityfood 72% OF CONSUMERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO PURCHASE A PRODUCT WITH A HEALTH CLAIM ON THE PACKAGING, RISING TO 80% FOR SHOPPERS AGED 25-34 AND 87% FOR THOSE AGED 18-24 PRINOVA HEALTH AWARENESS Shoppers may be more health conscious than ever, but that doesn’t mean they’re giving up on sweet indulgences. These are the key markers to look for now. NUTS We’re not saying that chocolate- coated nuts are a low-calorie health food, but when it comes to confectionery these can offer as simple an ingredients deck as you’re likely to find anywhere – and come with the added benefit of protein and health-giving nutrients from the nuts, not to mention polyphenols if coated in high quality dark chocolate. POPCORN Some might say that popcorn has had its day – indeed, the trend hit heady heights a few years ago – but brands are still bringing out new popcorn options and the variety on offer is increasingly adventurous (for example, check out the Matcha Latte option from Popcorn Kitchen). Key to the trend is that they are often lighter in calories than other bagged confections and sweet snacks. A balance of sweet and salty is as popular as ever, but look out for exciting flavour pairings too. PROTEIN Protein is big news right now, with shoppers learning that protein-packed food isn’t just for bodybuilders – it's a key nutrient for all aspects of our health. Some protein-packed confections will shout about it on the label, while some may require a delve into the ingredients list – look out for nuts and seeds. LOW-SUGAR Sweeteners might not be the health boon we once thought they were, but that’s not to say that sugar-free or low-sugar confectionery products are a no-go. Simply look for short ingredients lists – ideally featuring ingredients you can pronounce – and if possible stock products which are naturally sweet from the presence of fruit.