Chocolate Academy by Barry Callebaut presents their first Chocolate confectionery report for 2023 and beyond

Consumers' attitudes to life are not static but constantly evolving. With increasing challenges like higher cost of living or worsening climate change intensifying anxiety levels among consumers, it has become necessary for professionals to understand the environment they work in.

In the case of chocolate, the category still remains a quintessential comfort food for consumers in North America as it is the second largest market in the world after Western Europe. It is expected to grow at 2.1% CAGR according to euro monitor 2022 research.

To help you navigate the impact of consumer changing needs on the chocolate confectionery industry, the Chocolate Academy have put together a report for 2023 and beyond identifying 3 key trends revolving around indulgence:

Intense Indulgence: Chocolate that is a real feast for the eyes and for the taste buds.

Mindful Indulgence: Chocolate must be tasty, good for me and good for the planet.

Healthy Indulgence: Chocolate fortified and functional, a food for health.

Customers are all-in on indulgent snacks and treats that offer unique experiences. While there will always be a need for Intense Indulgence chocolate experiences, experts are expecting consumers to increasingly have a soft health approach to life, increasing the Mindful Indulgence chocolate space. Meanwhile, while Healthy Indulgence is still in its infancy in chocolate, Barry Callebaut proprietary research shows that consumers are interested in it.