Gourmet chocolate continues to capture the attention of shoppers despite cost cutting caused by concerns about the economy. A new market research report released by Packaged Facts, Premium Chocolate in the U.S.: Mass, Gourmet, Prestige and Super Premium, 4th Edition, explains how it is that premium chocolate is thriving despite grim economic times, with a 9% gain over 2007 gourmet chocolate sales. It seems that Americans, while scaling down consumerism generally, are permitting themselves indulgence... ...Read more »

Once the poor relation, left on the sweet shop shelf, dark chocolate is steadily gaining notoriety as Britain buys into a new, healthier image. The latest research from MINTEL shows that sales in Britain almost doubled between 2005 and 2007, with sales hitting £85 million last year. Mathilde Dudouit, senior market analyst at MINTEL, believes that the consumer trend toward ‘good for you’ foods is driving growth in the category. “Although dark chocolate is still high in... ...Read more »