Global Dark Chocolate Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2024-2032)

Global Dark Chocolate Market Analysis

The growing health and wellness trend, the rising trend of premiumisation, and the increasing focus on sustainability are providing lucrative dark chocolate market opportunities. Various studies have highlighted the effectiveness of dark chocolate in improving mood, heart health, and cognitive function. According to a survey by ChocoLogic in 2021, around all Americans indulge in a chocolate-flavoured treat every day. With the increasing demand for better-for-you food choices, seven out of ten consumers associate chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, with health benefits.

There is a surge in the demand for artisanal and high-quality dark chocolate with high cocoa content and complex flavours. Single-origin dark chocolate, with its unique flavour profiles, is gaining significant popularity. Sustainability has become a top priority for customers, bolstering the demand for dark chocolate from brands with Fair Trade certifications and sustainable practices. Brands are also adopting biodegradable and recycling packaging solutions to boost their sustainability profile as well as innovative technologies such as blockchain and IoT to improve their supply chain transparency.

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Global Dark Chocolate Market Trends

Growing Health and Wellness Trends

The growing focus on health and wellness and the rising demand for food that can lead to positive health outcomes are supporting the dark chocolate market expansion. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, theobromine, and phenylethylamine, and is rich in antioxidants, due to which it lowers blood pressure, cognitive decline, and cholesterol levels while improving heart health, cognitive functionality, and mood. Post-COVID-19 pandemic, 60% of consumers have become more conscious of health by leading a healthy lifestyle. Brands are capitalising on the growing trend of health and wellness by introducing high-quality and premium dark chocolate with low or zero sugar content, high cocoa content, and added vitamins and minerals. For instance, in April 2024, Macalat, a confectionery brand based in the United States, introduced the Organic Sweet Dark Chocolate, its latest zero-sugar, vegan, and organic dark chocolate bar.

Increasing Focus on Premiumisation and Artisanal Products

The rising consumer demand for unique, high-quality, and authentically crafted chocolate experiences with high cocoa content, rich flavours, and complex tasting notes is aiding the dark chocolate market development. In February 2024, Lindt, a Swiss premium confectionery brand, introduced its latest offering, the Lindor dark 70% chocolate truffles, using high-quality ingredients and the finest 70% cocoa. Besides, there is a growing consumer preference for artisanal dark chocolate made from pure raw ingredients such as cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and chocolate liquor, among others, which is surging. Artisanal chocolatiers are also deploying advanced technologies to streamline production processes, improve product quality, and surge customer engagement. Furthermore, the increasing preference for single-origin dark chocolate made from cocoa beans sourced from a specific country or region, offering unique and distinct flavour profiles influenced by the local climate and cultivation practices, is shaping the dark chocolate market growth and dynamics.

Global Dark Chocolate Market Growth

The Rising Trend of Sustainability

With consumers increasingly concerned with the environmental and ethical aspects of food, the demand for single-origin dark chocolate from brands emphasising sustainable practices and fair trade practices is rising. The growing social awareness among consumers is prompting cocoa brands to obtain Fair Trade certification to ensure that cocoa farmers work under humane conditions and receive fair wages. Key players are also deploying advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to improve the traceability of the cocoa supply chain and provide customers with detailed information regarding the journey and origin of dark chocolate. Moreover, brands are utilising packaging solutions made from biodegradable and recyclable materials and adopting minimalist packaging designs to enhance their sustainability profile. In the forecast period, the surging focus on ethical practices and transparency is anticipated to boost the dark chocolate market revenue.

Industry News

January 2024

KitKat announced its latest addition to expand its dark chocolate portfolio by launching the KitKat 70% Dark. The dark chocolate contains no artificial preservatives, colours, or flavours, and is ideal for vegetarians.

December 2023

Mars China launched its latest delectable and lightweight snack, SNICKERS® bar, featuring dark chocolate cereal, offering a low-glycemic index (GI) and low-sugar option. Each pack of SNICKERS® bar chocolate cereal bar is rich in prebiotics and dietary fibre.

Global Dark Chocolate Market Dynamics

The market growth can be attributed to the robust growth of the food and beverage sector. With the growing health awareness among consumers, manufacturers are widely using dark chocolate in the production of food products. The product has excellent antioxidant properties and is a rich source of flavonoids. It also provides other nutrients such as phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, selenium, potassium, and magnesium, among others, and thus, it is identified as a potential superfood. It has become a preferred ingredient for use in the production of items like baked goods, confectioneries, bar fillings, and beverages, among others.

With rising disposable incomes, consumers are increasingly spending on quality products, which is driving the growth of the dark chocolate market. In addition, emerging economies, such as China and India, are also reporting a rise in overall dark chocolate consumption due to evolving eating preferences and growing awareness of its health benefits.

Global Dark Chocolate Market Restraints

The dark chocolate market value can be impeded by habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and deforestation related to cocoa farming. The implementation of Fair Trade and sustainable farming practices and zero-deforestation policies requires a high level of investment from both key players and consumers. Small-scale cocoa farmers struggle with poor working conditions and low wages, especially in low-income countries such as Ghana, Ecuador, and Côte d’Ivoire, among others. Cocoa production requires rich nutrient soil, warm temperatures, and ample rainfall, which is vulnerable to rapid climate change. Furthermore, the volatility in cocoa prices due to supply chain fluctuations, economic instability, and weather conditions, coupled with the high competition among key players, can negatively impact the growth of the dark chocolate market.

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Global Dark Chocolate Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Global Dark Chocolate Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Non-Grocery Retailers
• Others

Market Breakup by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Global Dark Chocolate Market Share

By Distribution Channel Insights

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are expected to account for a significant share of the dark chocolate industry. Such stores allow consumers to choose from an array of brands, ranging from affordable to premium ones. With the growing interest in healthy eating, supermarkets and hypermarkets are increasingly stocking dark chocolate. In May 2024, Chocolove's vegan-friendly and traceable Hawaiian Sea Salt in Strong Dark Chocolate became available in Walmart across the United States, offering customers a diverse range of products to choose from.

Meanwhile, the sales of dark chocolate from convenience stores are growing as they provide accessible and quick shopping options. The availability of a wide range of dark chocolate from major brands such as Ritter Sport and Lindt in convenience stores also aids the segment’s growth. Besides, such stores are actively using in-store displays and promotions to highlight popular and new dark chocolate products and capitalise on impulse purchasing behaviour.

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Global Dark Chocolate Market Regional Insights

North America Dark Chocolate Market Drivers

The dark chocolate demand growth in North America is being driven by growing health and wellness concerns. In 2022, a survey commissioned by Nutrisystem and conducted by OnePoll found that over 70% of US consumers became more health-conscious post the COVID-19 pandemic, with weight loss being a major concern. Similarly, around 50% of Canadians are adopting a forward-looking approach to their personal health and seeking ways to improve their health. Moreover, the launch of innovative dark chocolate formats in the United States and Canada is favouring the market. For instance, in January 2024, Justin’s introduced Chocolate Candy Pieces, organic dark chocolate certified treats, available in two flavours- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Peanut.

Europe Dark Chocolate Market Outlook

The growing preference for healthy products and the rising emphasis on sustainability are boosting the dark chocolate industry revenue in Europe. In countries like Germany and France, chocolate with a high cocoa content is perceived as healthier than chocolate with high milk and sugar content. Besides, the Good Food Institute reported that the sales of plant-based foods in Europe have increased by 22% since 2020. This is surging the demand for dark chocolate as it typically contains plant-based ingredients like cocoa butter, sugar, and cocoa solids.

Asia Pacific Dark Chocolate Market Insights

As per the dark chocolate market regional analysis, the rise in the bourgeoise population and growing health consciousness, coupled with rapid urbanisation, is driving the consumption of dark chocolate in the Asia Pacific. The ease of accessibility of dark chocolate from e-commerce platforms such as Amazon is also aiding the market. The increasing launch of dark chocolate in emerging markets like India and China by key players is further fuelling the market. In February 2023, Mars Wrigley India announced the launch and local production of GALAXY FUSIONS Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa in India, marking its foray into the flourishing dark chocolate market landscape.

Competitive Landscape

Key dark chocolate market players are focusing on product innovations and launching dark chocolate with innovative formats, flavours, ingredients, and added nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. They are also investing in e-commerce channels and direct-to-consumer models to enhance their accessibility and reach a broader customer base.

Key Industry Players

Ferrero International

Ferrero International, established in 1946 and headquartered in Luxembourg, is one of the leaders in the global chocolate market. Some of its key brands are Tic Tac, Ferrero Rocher, and Ferrero Rondnoir. The company is known for its commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients.

Nestlé

Nestlé, one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies, was founded in 1866. Headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, some of its popular dark chocolate brands are KitKat, Cailler, and Nestlé Noir. The company constantly innovates its offerings to appeal to diverse customer tastes.

Mondelez International, Inc.

Mondelez International, Inc., a leader in the global confectionery sector, is headquartered in Illinois, the United States. With its history dating back to 1903, some of its well-known brands include Cadbury, Milka, and Toblerone, among others. The company focuses on innovations to deliver high-quality products to its diverse customer base.

Ritter Sport

Ritter Sport, founded in 1912 and headquartered in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is one of the leading chocolate companies in the world. The company offers a diverse range of dark chocolate products, including Ritter Sport 61% Cocoa, Ritter Sport Dark Chocolate with Whole Hazelnuts, and Ritter Sport 50% Cocoa, among others.

Other major players in the market are Amul and The Hershey Company, among others.

Recent Developments

April 2022

The Whole Truth Foods (TWT), India’s 100% clean label brand, launched a premium and decadent dark chocolate sweetened with only dates and without any artificial sweeteners or sugar. The chocolate is made from single-origin and locally sourced cocoa from Idukki (a district in Kerala) as well as imported non-GMO and high-quality dates.

June 2022

Mars Wrigley announced a unique dark chocolate treat- launching the Dark MALTESERS. The new dark chocolate boasts 65% more cocoa and 30% less sugar and is available in four formats, Pouch, Treat Bag, Single Bag, And More to Share.