Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition

Best Price Guarantee	Length	Publisher	Published Date	SKU
from $3,995	340 Pages	Packaged Facts	March, 2025	LA19886829

Best Price Guarantee
Price	from $3,995
Length	340 Pages
Publisher	Packaged Facts
Published Date	March, 2025
SKU	LA19886829

This report examines the $33.7 billion US chocolate candy market, which is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 1.8% through 2029.

Consumer demographics, perceptions, motivations, and behavior are examined as pertaining to dietary choices and consumption of chocolate.

Sales of chocolate candies in the scope of this report are segmented by type from 2019 through 2024 and forecast from 2025 through 2029:

box/bag/bar
gift box
holiday/seasonal
novelty
snack size
sugar free

This report also provides chocolate and snack food shipments in real and inflation-adjusted dollars from 2019 through 2024, 2025, and 2029.

Retail sales are estimated as a total market size including sales from a vast array of retailers such as:

grocery stores and supermarkets (e.g., Kroger and Albertsons)
mass merchandisers (e.g., Walmart, Target, and Meijer)
warehouse clubs (e.g., Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s)
discount grocers (e.g., ALDI and Save-a-Lot)
dollar stores and drug stores (e.g., Dollar General and CVS)
convenience stores and travel centers (e.g., 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Pilot/Flying J)
specialty and natural foods stores (e.g., Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market)
chocolate shops and gift shops (e.g., Godiva Chocolatier, Edible Arrangements, Hallmark Shop)
farmers’ markets, co-ops, and local businesses
online retailers, including online sales via third-party apps and the retail websites of brick-and-mortar grocers (e.g., Amazon, Instacart, 1800flowers.com, Kroger.com, Walmart.com, Harryanddavid.com)

Additionally, this report examines the potential for chocolate alternatives. The reasons for and implications of shifts in consumer perception and behavior are analyzed in the context of future market opportunities.

Major competitors in the chocolate market and development of ingredients and new products are examined. Retail and packaging trends – both in general and in the chocolate market – are also analyzed.

The report has dozens of tables showcasing numerical survey data on consumer demographics and psychographics and numerous marketing photographs. This report goes in-depth on historical trends that have affected the food and beverage market.

CHAPTER 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Chocolate Prices Surging; Opportunities for Growth and Product Innovations; Everyday and Holiday Chocolate Eating Occasions; Priorities When Buying Chocolate; Scope
CHAPTER 2: RECENT HISTORICAL TRENDS: HIGHLIGHTS; RISING PRICES: FROM SUPPLY CHAIN CRUNCHES TO INFLATION; Table 2-1. Consumer Concerns about Rising Food Prices, 2021 – 2024 (percent of consumers); Rising Prices Impact Consumer Behavior; Increasing Chocolate Prices; Cutting Back on Household Expenses; Table 2-2. Consumers Cutting Back on Household Expenses in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers); Table 2-3. Types of Household Expenses Cut Back on in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers); Table 2-4. Consumer Spending on “Extras”, 2023 – 2024 (percent of consumers); Private Labels Are More Desirable as Prices Rise; Figure 2-1. Chocolate under a New Walmart Private Label Brand; Figure 2-2. In 2024, Sales of Private Label Items Are Mostly Increasing as Sales from National Brands Decline; Figure 2-3. Private Label CPG Dollar Share, Unit Sales Growth, and Store Foot Traffic Changes; The Vast Majority of Consumers Have Noticed the Rising Cost of Food, and Many Are Changing Their Purchasing Decisions; Figure 2-4. Noticing the Rising Cost of Food and Beverages over the Past Year, 2024; Figure 2-5. Impact of Rising Costs on Food/Beverage Purchasing, 2024; Consumers Find Price More Important for Food Purchase Decisions in 2024; Figure 2-6. Purchase Drivers for Food and Beverage Purchase Decisions, 2024; Figure 2-7. Purchase Drivers for Food and Beverage Purchase Decisions by Household Income Bracket, 2024; SNACKING AND HEALTHY EATING HABITS; Snacking Trends Are Important to Chocolate; Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2 ii 025 © Packaged Facts; Trends in 2022; Figure 2-8. Coronavirus Habits in Snacking, Eating Frequency, and Eating “Comfort” Foods, 2021 – 2022 (percent of consumers); Figure 2-9. Coronavirus Habits in Eating Fresh Produce and Processed Foods, 2021 – 2022 (percent of consumers); Changes to Snacking Habits in 2023; Table 2-5. Current Snacking Activity Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels, 2023 (percent of consumers); Increasing Use of Semaglutide Medications Can Change Snacking and Eating Habits; ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING AND CONVENIENCE FOOD OPTIONS; The COVID-19 Pandemic Was the Jumpstart the Online Grocery Market Needed; Impact on the Chocolate Market; Activity in 2023 and 2024; Frequency of Grocery Shopping in 2023: In-Person vs. Online; Figure 2-10. Frequency of Buying Groceries In-Person and Online, 2023; Use of Grocery Carryout and Delivery Methods in the Last 12 Months; Table 2-6. Consumer Use of Food Ordering Methods in the Last 12 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers); Frequency of Grocery Pickup and Delivery Habits in the Last 3 Months; Table 2-7. Consumer Frequency of Food Ordering Methods in the Last 3 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who have used each method in the last 12 months); Frequency of Grocery Pickup and Delivery Habits Now Compared to 12 Months Ago; Table 2-8. Consumer Frequency of Food Ordering Habits Now Compared to 12 Months Ago, 2024 (percent of consumers who have used each method in the last 12 months); Expected Changes to Grocery Pickup and Delivery Habits in the Next 12 Months; Table 2-9. Consumer Expected Changes to the Frequency of Food Ordering Habits in the Next 12 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers); WORK HABITS; Food Trends in the Context of Changes to Work; Changes to Work Patterns Continued in 2022; Figure 2-11. Coronavirus Changes to Work Patterns, 2021 – 2022 (percent of consumers); Working from Home in 2023; Work from Home Ability and Frequency; Table 2-10. Ability to Work from Home and Frequency of Remote Work, 2023 (percent of consumers); Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home; Table 2-11. Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of consumers); Table 2-12. Consumer Rating of Experiences Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of consumers who have ever had each experience); Table 2-13. Consumer Opinions on Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of employed consumers); Work Habits in 2024; Typical Work Weeks; Table 2-14. Where Time Is Spent during a Typical Work Week, 2024 (percent of employed consumers); Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2025 © Packaged Facts iii; Typical Work Arrangements; Figure 2-12. Typical Work Arrangements (Fully Remote, Hybrid, and Traditional), 2024 (percent of employed consumers); PERSONAL FEELINGS OF WELLBEING; Reporting Negative Mental States in 2023; Figure 2-13. Current Feelings on Mental and Physical Symptoms Compared to “Normal” or Preferred Level, 2023 (percent of consumers); Continuing Mental and Physical Health Effects in 2024; Table 2-15. Current Feelings on Mental and Physical Symptoms Compared to “Normal” or Preferred Level, 2024 (percent of consumers); Stress Levels and Impact on Food/Beverage Consumption; Figure 2-14. Stress Levels in the Last Six Months and Impact on Healthfulness of Food/Beverage Consumption, 2024; Figure 2-15. Sources of Stress for Consumers Who Were Very or Somewhat Stressed in the Last Six Months, 2024; Figure 2-16. Top Sources of Stress in the Last Six Months by Generation, 2024; Figure 2-17. Happiness, Stress, and Health Status by Household Income Bracket, 2024; Figure 2-18. Impact of Food Consumption on Mental or Emotional Well-Being, 2024
CHAPTER 3: OVERVIEW AND MARKET TRENDS: HIGHLIGHTS; SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS OF CHOCOLATE PRODUCTION; Deforestation and Human Rights Concerns; Chocolate Marketers Working Toward Improving the Cocoa Supply Chain; Figure 3-1. Map Showing Deforestation in the Past Decade at the Ivory Coast; Sustainable Farming Techniques; Figure 3-2. New Sustainable Chocolate Brand; Fair Trade Chocolate as a More Ethical Product; Figure 3-3. Fair Trade Cocoa Claims to Make a Difference by Changing the Industry for the Better; Climate Change Impacts on Cocoa Production; The Potential for Chocolate Alternatives in the Wake of Environmental and Social Sustainability Concerns; FOOD ALLERGIES, INTOLERANCES/SENSITIVITIES, AND OTHER DIETARY RESTRICTIONS; Food Allergies and Intolerances Among Consumers; Prevalence in 2024; Figure 3-4. Prevalence of Food Allergies, Gluten Intolerance, and Lactose Intolerance, 2024 (percent of consumers); Rising Rates of Reported Food Allergies and Lactose Intolerance over Time; Table 3-1. Food Allergies and Lactose Intolerance, 2017-2024 (percent of consumers); PLANT-BASED AND PLANT-FORWARD TRENDS; Definitions; Vegan; Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2 iv 025 © Packaged Facts; Vegetarian; Pescatarian; Flexitarian; Omnivore; Plant-Based Dairy Products; Plant-Based Eating and Sustainability Are Buzzwords Important to the General Public; Figure 3-5. Magazine Covers Reflect the Issues of Importance to General Consumers; Nearly One-Fourth of Consumers Claim to Primarily Follow a Flexitarian Diet in 2024; Figure 3-6. Diets/Eating Philosophies Primarily Followed by Consumers, 2024 (percent of consumers); FOLLOWING SPECIFIC EATING PATTERNS/DIETS; Special Eating Restrictions and Preferences Followed; Table 3-2. Special Eating Restrictions and Diets Followed, 2024 (percent of consumers); Figure 3-7. Following Specific Eating Patterns or Diets in the Past Year, 2024; Younger Consumers and Those with Higher Incomes Are More Likely to Follow a Special Diet; Figure 3-8. Following Specific Eating Patterns or Diets in the Past Year by Demographic, 2024; Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics; Table 3-3. Priorities Placed on Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 3-4. Clean Label Priorities Placed on Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers); Motivations for Following Specific Eating Patterns; Figure 3-9. Motivations for Following Specific Eating Patterns or Diets in the Past Year, 2024; MINDFUL AND INTUITIVE EATING; Definition; Motivations for Practicing Mindful Eating; Figure 3-10. Motivations for Following Mindful Eating Practices in the Past Year, 2024; Frequency of Feelings and Behaviors Associated with Mindful and Intuitive Eating Patterns; Figure 3-11. Frequency of Feelings and Behaviors Associated with Eating, 2024; Relationship with Food; Figure 3-12. Consumer Rating of Relationship with Food, 2024; HOME BAKING TRENDS; Baking for Indulgence, Nostalgia, or Comfort; Convenience Foods and Semi-Homemade Foods; Branding Can Increase Appeal of Baking Products; Figure 3-12. Cross-Branded Baking Mixes Combine the Fun and Flavor of Two Household Names; Figure 3-13. Triple Chocolate Brownies Feature Branded Chocolate as an Ingredient; SNACKING TRENDS; Frequency of Snacking; Table 3-5. Frequency of Snacking Habits on a Typical Weekday, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 3-6. Frequency of Snacking More Than Once a Day or Eating Breakfast, 2024 (percent of consumers); Figure 3-14. Frequency of Snacking and Approaches Toward Snack/Portion Size, 2024; Snacking Demographics; Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2025 © Packaged Facts v; Table 3-7. Always or Usually Eating Breakfast or Snacking More Than Once a Day by Demographic, 2024 (percent of consumers); Reasons for Snacking; Table 3-8. Reasons for Snacking, 2024 (percent of consumers); Figure 3-15. Top Motivations for Snacking, 2024; Preferred Types of Snacks; Table 3-9. Preferred Types of Snacks, 2023 (percent of consumers); Figure 3-16. Evening and Late Nigh Snack Choices, 2024; “Snackification” of Meals; Figure 3-17. Replacing Traditional Meals by Snacking or Eating Smaller Meals, 2024; Increasing Use of Semaglutide Medications Can Change Snacking and Eating Habits; NUTRIENTS SOUGHT BY CONSUMERS; Consumers Continue to Seek Out Protein Sources; Figure 3-18. Nutrients Consumers Seek to Consume, 2024; Sources Used to Consume Nutrients; Figure 3-19. Sources Consumers Use to Consume Nutrients, 2024; Health Benefits Sought; Figure 3-20. Top Health Benefits Sought from Food, Beverages, and Nutrients, 2024; Figure 3-21. Top Health Benefits Sought from Food, Beverages, and Nutrients by Generation, 2024; Actions Taken to Avoid or Limit Saturated Fat; Figure 3-22. Actions Taken to Avoid or Limit Saturated Fat, 2024; Figure 3-23. Top Foods Avoided or Limited to Reduce Saturated Fat, 2024; Sugars, Sweeteners, and Artificial Ingredients; Sweetener Use Is Challenging to Appeal to Various Consumer Desires for Sweetness, Health, and Natural Foods; Table 3-10. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Sugars and Avoidance of Ingredients, 2024 (percent of consumers); Figure 3-24. Prevalence of Avoiding or Limiting Sugars, 2024; Figure 3-25. Types of Sugars Avoided or Limited, 2024; Figure 3-26. Reasons for Limiting/Avoiding and Not Limiting/Avoiding Sugars, 2024; Figure 3-27. Preferred Sweeteners and Sugars, 2024; Figure 3-28. Reasons for Preferred Sweeteners and Sugars, 2024
CHAPTER 4: SALES, SHIPMENTS, AND CONSUMER USE OF CHOCOLATE: HIGHLIGHTS; SCOPE; SHIPMENTS OF SNACK FOODS AND CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONS; Table 4-1. Snack Food and Chocolate Shipments, 2019-2024, 2025P, 2029P (billion dollars); Table 4-2. Snack Food and Chocolate Shipments, 2019-2024, 2025P, 2029P (billion 2017 dollars); CHOCOLATE RETAIL SALES; Category Dollar Sales; Table 4-3. Chocolate Candy Retail Sales by Type, 2019-2024 (million dollars); Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2 vi 025 © Packaged Facts; Table 4-4. Chocolate Candy Retail Sales by Type, 2024, 2025P-2029P (million dollars); Figure 4-1. Chocolate Candy Category Sales, 2024 (percent); Figure 4-2. Seasonal Chocolate Candy Sales, 2024 (percent); Opportunities for Growth; Luxury, Premium, and Everyday Chocolate; MOST CONSUMERS HAVE PURCHASED CHOCOLATE IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS; Figure 4-3. Consumer Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months, 2024 (percent of consumers); BOXED CHOCOLATE BRANDS; Table 4-5. Purchases of Boxed Chocolate Brands in the Last Six Months, 2019-2024 (percent of consumers); BRANDS OF OTHER CHOCOLATE FORMATS; Table 4-6. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, A-G, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers); Table 4-7. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, H-L, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers); Table 4-8. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, M-O, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers); Table 4-9. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, P-S, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers); Table 4-10. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, T-Y, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers); CHOCOLATE CONSUMPTION FREQUENCY; Table 4-11. Frequency of Chocolate Consumption by Flavor/Type, 2024 (percent of consumers); PURPOSES OF CHOCOLATE USE; Table 4-12. Purposes of Chocolate Consumption by Type, 2024 (percent of consumers who use each chocolate type)
CHAPTER 5: RETAIL AND MARKETING TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES: HIGHLIGHTS; FOOD GIFTING TRENDS; Food Gifts Purchased for Others; Table 5-1. Food Gift Types Purchased for others in the Last 12 Months, 2014-2024 (percent of consumers); Food Gifts Purchased for Self; Table 5-2. Food Gift Types Purchased for Self in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers); Personal Food Gifts; Table 5-3. Personal Food Gift Types Received in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of adults who received a personal food gift); Work-Related Food Gifts; Table 5-4. Work-Related Food Gift Types Received in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of adults who received a business food gift); Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2025 © Packaged Facts vii; Frequent Chocolate Consumption by Purchases and Receipt of Food Gifts; Table 5-5. Frequent Chocolate Consumption Activity by Purchases and Receipt of Food Gifts, 2024 (percent of consumers vs. percent of consumers who use chocolate at least often); Personalization and Customization Is Important in the Chocolate Food Gifting Space; Figure 5-1. Addition of Chocolatey Treats Can Upgrade a Food Gift; Figure 5-2. Build-A-Box of Chocolates with Custom Gift Box Selections; Figure 5-3. Making Candy Food Gifts More Personal with Photos of Your Relationships; Figure 5-4. Make Your Gift More Personal By Allowing the Recipient to Pick It; INDULGENCE VS. HEALTH; Clean Label and “Better-for-You” Trends; There Is No Single Universal Definition of “Clean Label”; Different Levels of Processing; 1: Unprocessed and Minimally Processed Foods; 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients; 3: Processed Foods; 4: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs); Clean Label Chocolate Products; Figure 5-5. Organic Chocolate Without Artificial Colors or Flavors; Companies Are Investing in Big Data to Satisfy Consumer Desires for Transparency; Consumers Think Small and Medium Businesses Have More Credibility; Figure 5-6. Clean Label Chocolate Brand Features Organic, Paleo, Non-GMO, and Vegan Labels and Emphasizes Absence of Undesirable Ingredients; Unrefined Sugar; Figure 5-7. Dark Chocolate with Unrefined Cane Sugar Has a Story to Tell About Its Premium and Simple Ingredients; Sugar-Free/No Sugar Added, Low Sugar Products, and Alternative Sweeteners; Figure 5-8. Chocolate Made with No Sugar Added Emphasizes Natural Ingredients and Product Claims; Figure 5-9. Great-Tasting Sugar-Free Boxed Chocolates Made With Natural Stevia Leaf Extract; Figure 5-10. Zero Sugar Reformulated Popular Chocolate Candies; Figure 5-11. New Alternative Sweetener Used to Make Chocolate with Limited Sugar Content; Low-Carb/High Protein, Keto, and Paleo Diets May Influence the Choice to Consume Chocolate; Figure 5-12. Clean Label Chocolate with Paleo Label Is Simple and Contains the Same Amount of Fat and Carbs; Addition of Nuts, Fruit, Seeds, Fillings, and Other Ingredients for Increased Nutrition; Figure 5-13. Chocolate Features Nuts, Fruit, and Added Hemp Protein for More Balanced Nutrition; Figure 5-14. Dark Chocolate Treats with Ingredients That Are “Good-for-You”; Vegan/Plant-Based Chocolate Appeals to Those Looking to Eat a Plant-Forward Diet; Figure 5-15. New Mass-Market Plant-Based Chocolates Announced in 2023; Figure 5-16. Vegan Chocolate Is Usually Premium and Carries Other Labels Such as Organic and Fair Trade; Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2 viii 025 © Packaged Facts; Organic Products; Figure 5-17. Organic Chocolate Line from Premium Chocolate Company Specializing in Fair Trade Chocolate; Figure 5-18. Organic Chocolate Is Beginning to Hit the Mass-Market with Top Brands; UNIQUE FLAVORS AND FLAVOR COMBINATIONS; Flavor Innovation with New Cocoa Beans; Figure 5-19. “Totally New Flavor Experience” Compared to Fine Wines; Figure 5-20. Adding Fruit Filling to Chocolate for Unique Flavors and Colors; Limited Edition and Seasonal Flavors; Figure 5-21. Seasonal Chocolate Flavors Available for a Limited Time; Social Media Trends Driving New Flavor Development; Figure 5-22. New Chocolate Bar Developed in Response to Viral Social Media Trend; Small Businesses Often Produce the Most Unique Chocolate Flavors; Figure 5-23. Artisan, Handcrafted Truffles with Elegant Designs and Flavors; Capturing Flavor Trends While Reducing Costs; CANDY ADJACENCIES; TARGETING LGBT CONSUMERS, A GROWING DEMOGRAPHIC; Figure 5-24. Pride-Themed Chocolates Available Online; Figure 5-25. DIY Rainbow Chocolate Ideas on Pinterest; FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN ARE IMPORTANT CONSUMERS OF CHOCOLATE; Figure 5-26. Treats with Toys Increase Appeal of Chocolate with Children and Families; Figure 5-27. Snack Bars for Kids Contain Chocolate and a Full Serving of Fruits and Vegetables; MAJOR HOLIDAYS; Table 5-6. Extension of Holiday Celebrations Compared to Pre-Pandemic Behavior, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers); Winter Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa); Table 5-7. Planned Winter Holiday Gift Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024; Figure 5-28. Christmas Food Gifts Play up Luxury Look, Focus Less on Holiday Imagery; Valentine’s Day; Table 5-8. Planned Valentine’s Day Spending, Total and Per Person, 2017-2024; Non-Traditional Celebrations; Figure 5-29. See’s Promotes Chocolate Exchanges for Galentine’s Day; Mother’s Day; Table 5-9. Planned Mother’s Day Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024; Figure 5-30. Chocolate Gift Assortments for Mother’s Day Feature Spring Colors and Flowers to Show Appreciation for Mom; Easter; Table 5-10. Planned Easter Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024; Figure 5-31. Easter Candies Often Feature Pastel Colors, Flowers, and an Easter Bunny or Easter Eggs; Halloween; Table 5-11. Planned Halloween Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024; Figure 5-32. Halloween Candy Gift Set With Decorative Box; Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2025 © Packaged Facts ix; WEDDINGS & ANNIVERSARIES; The Percentage of Consumers Who Are Married Has Fallen, But More People Are Now Living With Domestic Partners; Table 5-12. Marriage Statistics, 2014-2024; Same-Sex Marriages; Figure 5-33. Personalized Chocolates for Same-Sex Wedding; DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER (DTC) AND ONLINE MARKETING; New Companies and Products with Niche Appeal May Choose Online/DTC Channels; Figure 5-34. New Chocolate Brand Available Exclusively via E-Commerce Emphasizes Full Traceability of Ingredients; Private Labels; Figure 5-35. Private Label Premium Chocolates Exclusive to DTC Retailer; Subscription Boxes; Figure 5-36. Chocolate Subscription Box Ships Monthly as the “Ultimate Gift” for Chocolate Lovers; IN-STORE PURCHASING TRENDS; Figure 5-37. Target Offers Order Pickup, Same-Day Delivery, and Shipping for Chocolate and Other Grocery Items; Retail Stores Rely More On Impulse Purchases of Chocolate; Figure 5-38. End Caps Featuring Valentine’s Day Chocolates; Holiday Promotions Are Key; Figure 5-39. Valentine’s Day Promotions in Mobile App Advertisements and in Seasonal Aisle In-Store; Private Label Chocolates Are a Driver of Store Traffic and Retailer Loyalty; Figure 5-40. Private Label Chocolate Brands Advertised Alongside National Brands for Seasonal Promotion; BRAND POSITIONING OF TOP CHOCOLATE MARKETERS; Lindt & Sprüngli Group; Ghirardelli; Figure 5-41. Classic Chocolates Are Luxurious and Indulgent, and Themed Gift Sets Nod to San Francisco Roots; Lindt; Figure 5-42. The Lindt Difference; Figure 5-43. LINDOR Marketing for Principal Chocolate Truffles; Figure 5-44. New Limited Edition Chocolate Flavor; Russell Stover; Figure 5-45. New Every Day Chocolate Products; Godiva (pladis); Figure 5-46. Godiva Promotes Its Retail Locations for Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts; Hershey; Figure 5-47. Plant-Based Chocolate Launch Uses Oats Instead of Dairy Milk; Mars Wrigley; Figure 5-48. Mars Wrigley Aims to Bring Even More Smiles to the World with Celebratory Candy; Figure 5-49. Twix Challenges Consumers to Guess Which Twix Side is which on Instagram; Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2 x 025 © Packaged Facts; Figure 5-50. Dove Chocolate Instagram Advertises with Premium Wrappers, Holiday Decorations, and Indulgent Recipes; Ferrero; Figure 5-51. Decadent Ferrero Rocher Pralines Have a Premium Image for Food Gifting and Special Celebrations; Figure 5-52. “Everyone’s Crunch-ing” Marketing Shows Everyday Appeal for Crispy Chocolate Bars
CHAPTER 6: CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS: HIGHLIGHTS; CHOCOLATE PURCHASES HIGHEST AMONG YOUNGER AND MIDDLE AGE CONSUMERS; Table 6-1. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Age Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-2. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Generation, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-3. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Age Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers); WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY THAN MEN TO PURCHASE CHOCOLATE; Table 6-4. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Gender, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-5. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Gender, 2024 (percent of consumers); CHOCOLATE PURCHASES VARY SOMEWHAT ACROSS DIFFERENT HOUSEHOLD INCOME BRACKETS, BUT ARE HIGH AMONG ALL GROUPS; Table 6-6. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Household Income Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-7. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Household Income Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers); MARRIED/PARTNERED CONSUMERS AND PRESENCE OF CHILDREN IN THE HOUSEHOLD; Table 6-8. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Marriage Status and Children under 18, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-9. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Partnership Status and Children under 18, 2024 (percent of consumers); LGBT CONSUMERS ARE SOMEWHAT MORE LIKELY TO BUY CHOCOLATE; Table 6-10. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by LGBT Affiliation, 2024 (percent of consumers); THOSE LIVING IN THE MIDWEST REGION ARE MOST LIKELY TO BUY CHOCOLATE; Table 6-11. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by US Region, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-12. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by US Region, 2024 (percent of consumers); RURAL, SUBURBAN, AND URBAN CONSUMERS DIFFER SOMEWHAT IN CHOCOLATE CONSUMPTION; Table 6-13. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Population Density of Residence Area, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-14. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Rural, Suburban, and Urban Environment, 2024 (percent of consumers); Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2025 © Packaged Facts xi; CHOCOLATE PURCHASES ARE HIGH AMONG ALL RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS; Table 6-15. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Race/Ethnicity, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-16. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Race/Ethnicity, 2024 (percent of consumers); DIFFERENCES IN CHOCOLATE PURCHASES BASED ON EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT; Table 6-17. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Educational Attainment, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-18. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Educational Attainment, 2024 (percent of consumers); FREQUENT CONSUMERS OF CHOCOLATE ARE MORE LIKELY TO FOLLOW NON-OMNIVORE DIETS/EATING PHILOSOPHIES; Table 6-19. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-20. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2024 (percent of consumers); USE OF ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING WEBSITES; Table 6-21. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Use of Online Grocery Delivery Services in the Last 30 Days, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 6-22. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Use of Online Grocery Websites in the Last 30 Days, 2024 (percent of consumers)
CHAPTER 7: CONSUMER PSYCHOGRAPHICS: HIGHLIGHTS; PRIORITIES WHEN CHOOSING WHERE TO SHOP FOR GROCERIES; Table 7-1. Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 7-2. Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries (Continued), 2024 (percent of consumers); PRIORITIES PLACED ON FOOD CHARACTERISTICS; Table 7-3. Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics, 2024 (percent of consumers); PRIORITIES PLACED ON CHOCOLATE; Table 7-4. Priorities Placed on Chocolate Characteristics, 2024 (percent of frequent chocolate consumers and boxed chocolate/candy buyers in the last 12 months); WILLINGNESS TO PAY MORE FOR PREMIUM FOOD CHARACTERISTICS; Table 7-5. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Premium Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers); WILLINGNESS TO PAY MORE FOR DIFFERENT CHOCOLATE FEATURES; Table 7-6. Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Chocolate, 2024 (percent of consumers); MOST CONSUMERS THINK DARK CHOCOLATE IS HEALTHY AND THAT CHOCOLATE CAN BE CONSUMED AS PART OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE; Table 7-7. Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Chocolate, 2024 (percent of consumers); Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2 xii 025 © Packaged Facts; CONCERNS ABOUT CHOCOLATE PRICES; Table 7-8. Agreement on Statements about Chocolate Prices, 2024 (percent of consumers); ORGANIC FOOD PURCHASES; Table 7-9. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Organic Food Purchases, 2024 (percent of consumers); FOOD PROCESSING AND CLEAN INGREDIENTS AND LABELS; Table 7-10. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Clean Ingredients, Food Processing, and Labels, 2024 (percent of consumers); SNACKING BEHAVIOR; Table 7-11. Statements about Snacking, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree); GROCERY SHOPPING AND MEAL PLANNING HABITS; Table 7-12. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Grocery Shopping and Eating Habits, 2024 (percent of consumers); COOKING SKILLS; Table 7-13. Consumer Confidence with Cooking Skills, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 7-14. Consumer Rating of Cooking Skills, 2024 (percent of consumers); CONSUMER ATTITUDES ON FOOD AND HEALTH; Attitudes about Carbs, Proteins, and Whole/Unprocessed Foods; Table 7-15. Statements about Sweeteners, Calories, and Sugar, 2024 (percent of consumers who strongly agree); Preferences for Indulgent Foods; Table 7-16. Indulgent Food Preferences among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely); Cooking Attitudes; Table 7-17. Cooking Attitudes among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely); Attitudes on Convenience Foods, Being Busy, and Stress; Table 7-18. Attitudes on Convenience Foods, Being Busy, and Stress, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely); Nutrition and Health Attitudes; Table 7-19. Nutrition and Health Attitudes among Those Who Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely); Attitudes on Premium Foods and Paying for Food; Table 7-20. Attitudes on Premium Foods and Paying for Food among Those Who Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely); Openness to New Food Experiences; Table 7-21. Attitudes on Openness to New Food Experiences among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
CHAPTER 8: PACKAGING TRENDS: HIGHLIGHTS; THE BALANCE BETWEEN EFFECTIVE AND LOW-COST PACKAGING; Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition; March 2025 © Packaged Facts xiii; RECYCLABLE/ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PACKAGING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER; OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING; Figure 8-1. Compostable Chocolate Truffle Wrappers; TRUTH IN ADVERTISING EXTENDS TO PACKAGING; Figure 8-2. Differences Between Chocolate Candy and What Is Shown on Product Packaging; FUNCTIONAL PACKAGING CAN BE FRAMED AS SUSTAINABILITY; Figure 8-3. Candy Packaging Functions as a Holiday Decoration to Be Used Again and Again; CREATIVE PACKAGING PROVIDES GIFT RECIPIENTS WITH A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE; Figure 8-4. Stacked Folding Cartons Create a New Object for Holiday Food Gifting; Figure 8-5. Creative Gift Tin Spins and Plays Music; PROTECTIVE PACKAGING IS IMPORTANT FOR PRODUCT INTEGRITY; Figure 8-6. Void Fill Used As an Attractive and Elegant Enhancement to a Chocolate Food Gift; RETAIL-READY PACKAGING MAKES CHOCOLATE PROMOTIONS STAND OUT AND PROMOTES STOCKING EFFICIENCY IN STORES; Figure 8-7. Retail-Ready Packaging Promotes Shelf Organization and Promotion of Food Gift Brands In-Store; SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS: CONSUMER INSIGHTS; What Consumers Think about Sustainability Issues and Sustainable Lifestyles; Table 8-1. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Sustainability, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 8-2. Importance of Practices When Living a Sustainable Lifestyle, 2024 (percent of consumers); Recycling and Composting Services; Table 8-3. Consumer Access to Recycling and Composting Services, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 8-4. Consumer Usage Frequency of Recycling and Composting Services, 2024 (percent of consumers who report using each service); Thoughts on Packaging and Waste; Table 8-5. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Recycling and Packaging Materials, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 8-6. Packaging Types Considered Most Eco-Friendly, 2024 (percent of consumers); Table 8-7. Importance of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Characteristics, 2024 (percent of consumers); Consumers Think that Environmental Responsibility Is Personal; Table 8-8. Environmental Attitudes among Chocolate Buyers and Users in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who completely agree)