ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The U.S. chocolate candy market is bullish. With 81% of American consumers eating chocolate, sales of chocolate candy in the United States are expected to exceed $26 billion by 2018, a first for the industry, said Convenience Store Products online, citing a Packaged Facts report.
In 2015, sales will hit $22 billion. That leaves roughly $4 billion for the taking, of which convenience stores should expect a piece. Given the strong pace of innovation and an influx of creative new suppliers, stores should see a steady flow of new products to engage their customers.
Here are just three factors behind chocolate’s sweet success, according to Rockville, Md.-based Packaged Facts’ report, Chocolate Candy in the U.S., 10th Edition:
- The market has continued growing despite the volatile economic climate, proving customer devotion.
- The sentiment around chocolate is that it’s an accessible luxury and allows customers to trade up to more premium products at minimal expense.
- Research supports cocoa as a superfood with multi-dimensional nutritional benefits. Consumers perceive that chocolate is a guilt-free indulgence, which will ultimately drive more consumption.
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