The wave of health and wellness comes ashore for chocolate makers,
with latest figures from Mintel showing the fresh healthier image
for dark chocolate has brought a much-need, and strident, upward
shift in sales for 2007.
Phytobase is introducing a new organic dark chocolate bonbon at
Whole Foods stores in the US that contains healthy ingredients at
the cutting edge of the functional foods trend.
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli is continuing its innovation
in premium, dark chocolate with a new range boasting 70 per cent
cacao content and a unique mousse-filled centre.
US based chocolate giant Hershey may have successfully taken
advantage of the consumer trend for dark chocolate but work still
remains to be done to reinvigorate core brands.
Further evidence of the health benefits of chocolate has come to
light in a new study - giving manufacturers yet another route into
the functional food niche.