Abstract
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.
How You Will Benefit from this Report
If your company is already competing in the chocolate market, or is
considering making the leap, you will find this report invaluable, as it
provides a comprehensive package of information and insight not offered in any
other single source. You will gain a thorough understanding of the current,
past and future market for chocolate, as well as projected sales and trends
through 2011. Contributing to that understanding will be a complete analysis
of sales data from the NCA, DOC, IRI, Simmons and other published and trade
sources.
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 in the chocolate arena.
- Advertising agencies working with clients in the food industry understand
the product buyer to develop messages and images that compel consumers to
purchase these products.
- 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 their jobs more effectively.
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