The health and wellness trend is having an impact on the UK chocolate market, with sales of dark chocolate almost doubling between 2005 and 2007, according to a new report from market researcher Mintel.
 
Mintel's Chocolate Confectionery report states that sales of dark chocolate, considered a healthier option by consumers because of its high raw cacao content, rose by 96% between 2005 and 2007 to £85m.
 
Raw cacao is now considered to be one of the world's most beneficial superfoods due to its high content of antioxidants, and it is this which is driving sales, Mintel stated.
 
"Although dark chocolate is still high in sugar, it is rich in antioxidants and is lower in fat than milk chocolate," said Mathilde Dudouit, senior market analyst at Mintel. "Dark chocolate now has the reputation as being a healthier alternative to other chocolate and this has really struck a chord with Britain's chocoholics."
 
Meanwhile, sales of luxury chocolate rose by 46% over the two years to 2007 to £140m, Mintel reported, boosted by growth from niche brands such as Kshocolat, Hotel Du Chocolat and Plaisir Du Chocolat.
 
"Brits may not be eating chocolate as often as they used to, but they are certainly splashing out more on premium varieties," Dudouit said. "The trick today is to eat less, but to go all out when indulging so that it really is a luxurious treat."
 
Underlining the premium trend, Mintel added that even though consumers are cutting back on the amount of chocolate they eat, total sales in the two years to 2007 saw a 10% increase in value terms, against just 1% growth between 2003 and 2005.
 
With a further 5% growth expected this year, the UK chocolate market will be worth £2.23bn by the end of 2008, according to the report.
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