Each year, trends dictate the type of sweets that fly off the shelves. American corporation Cargill have named four chocolate trends 2017 will experience.
Each year, the world of confectionery goes through different trends that will change and influence the taste of all of your favourite scrumptious treats for the next 12 months and possibly beyond. This year, popular American corporation Cargill have made bold predictions for their upcoming chocolate trends. 2017 looks set to be an intriguing year that continues along the current trends of organic, healthier and responsibly sourced confectionery.
These are the angles that will be dominating the chocolate industry this year:
Premium
A continued trend from last year, all confectioners will have noted the increase in demand for premium chocolate and how anything with a label with ‘gourmet’, ‘artisan’ or ‘homemade’ will fly off the shelves.
Many industries are seeing a boom in artisan products, which is something that many sweet manufacturers are now capitalising on where they are also highlighting the origin and provenance of ingredients. This demand for premium, delicious and pure treats looks set to continue for 2017, and well beyond.
Sustainable & Clean
Modern day consumers are very aware of ethics and environment when it comes to chocolate. As a result, fair-trade products have had a marked increase in popularity as there is a shift towards sustainable and clean confectionery. People now want to know where the food comes from, how it is produced and whether or not it is obtained ethically.
This interest in how the product is made has also led to a requirement for real ingredients and the phasing out of artificial colouring. Many of the major manufacturers are now taking steps to make clean and clear products that use plant extracts or fruit and vegetables for colouring.
Healthy
In addition to premium goods that look after the environment and the communities in which they originate, the consumer in 2017 wants a chocolate that is healthier for their bodies. 2017 will be all about goods that are sugar-, gluten- or additive- free, or suitable for vegans.
In addition to being healthier for all, this also widens the market for those with allergies or certain dietary restrictions. It is easy to see this trend continuing in the future with so many people using supplements and focusing on their diet in addition to physical exercise to achieve their fitness goals.
Indulgent
Last but not least, Cargill has named indulgent one of their four chocolate trends 2017 will see. This will involve adding multiple flavours, textures and ingredients all into one treat. Cargill also state that chocolate and vegetable combinations will become very popular, plus there will also be a trend for savoury confectionery, such as salted caramel.
It looks set to be a fascinating year ahead for the confectionery world if Cargill’s chocolate trends 2017 prove to be correct. It is easy to see this happening, as modern consumers increasingly show an interest in crucial aspects such as origin, provenance, ethics and healthy eating. Many manufacturers have anticipated this and are now introducing new products that tick all of the boxes whilst still creating a delicious snack.
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