Abstract
The gourmet chocolate market is an upscale market, but should no longer be
considered exclusive. Consumers have better-educated taste buds and an
increasing appetite for gourmet and premium chocolate product. This appetite
is being fed through myriad retail outlets beyond the boutique, from mass,
such as drugstore and supermarkets, to independent chocolate cafes a la the
likes of ubiquitous Starbucks coffee houses. And, in a sure sign of maturity,
the market is now characterized by the acquisition of small marketers by the
big boys, such as Hershey's 2005 purchase of boutique chocolatier Scharffen
Berger.
As a result of the variety of retail outlets and consumer interest, recently
boosted with the wave of positive press regarding the health benefits of
cacao, gourmet chocolates are among the fastest growing segments of their
respective markets. This new Market Trends report, U.S. Gourmet Chocolate
Market , examines the growing $1.3 billion market for the personal indulgence
that is gourmet/premium chocolate. The report concentrates on the premium
market (including See's, Godiva, Lindt/Ghiradelli, Perugina), but also
addresses boutique marketers (such as Lake Champlain) and mass-market
manufacturers that offer upscale products (such as Dove). The report also
examines factors to market growth such as the touted health benefits of dark
chocolate, the growing popularity of organic chocolate and the role of select
demographic groups (such as aging boomers and Asian Americans).
Report Methodology
The information in Gourmet Chocolate in the U.S. is based on both primary and
secondary research. Primary research involved interviews with marketing,
public relations and industry analysts within the food and ingredient markets
and consultants to the industry. Secondary research entailed data-gathering
from relevant trade, business, and government sources, including company
literature. The analysis of consumer demographics derives from Simmons Market
Research Bureau survey data for fall 2005.
What You'll Get in this Report
Gourmet Chocolate in the U.S. offers unique perspective on the upscale
chocolate market. No other market research report provides the analysis and
trends coverage that Gourmet Chocolate offers. Plus, you'll benefit from
extensive data, presented in easy-to-read and practical charts, tables and
graphs.
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