Chocolate sales worldwide defy recession

January 1, 2010

Chocolate sales around the world have increased despite the recession, according to new research from Mintel.

In China and the Ukraine - two countries not necessarily noted for chocolate consumption - Mintel reports chocolate confectionery sales rose 18% and 12% respectively in 2009. Each country has seen steady sales increases since 2005 and Mintel predicts continued growth through 2013.

Other countries have also seen chocolate bars, bags and boxes flying off the shelves, albeit at lower rates.

The UK chocolate market grew by 5.9% last year, while Americans purchased 2.6% more chocolate than in 2008. Sales in Argentina rose 1.8% in 2009, while in Belgium sales increased by 3.2%.

“It’s clear that despite economic trouble this year, the world’s chocolate lovers didn’t deviate from their favorite treat,” said Marcia Mogelonsky, global food and drink analyst at Mintel.

“Chocolate is a small, affordable indulgence for shoppers who are cutting back on spending elsewhere. Even in countries not known for chocolate consumption, sales are on the rise,” she said.

The Swiss spend the most cash on chocolate, paying the equivalent of US $206 per person per year.

Brits and Belgians follow, spending US $106 and $90, respectively, on chocolate. In the US shoppers spend $55 each, while Argentineans spend an average of US $35 per year on chocolate confectionery.

Manufacturers are continuing to launch new chocolate confections, Mintel reports.

Despite worldwide economic troubles, Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD) reports manufacturers launched nearly the same number of chocolate products this year as in 2008. In Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, companies released more new products in 2009 than in 2008.