Chocolate confectionery

The chocolate market is undergoing significant transformation, driven by the high volatility of cocoa prices in 2024 and 2025, as well as changing consumer expectations. Despite these challenges, the category continues to show positive momentum, supported by strong global demand across both established markets such as Europe and growing regions including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Consumers remain highly engaged with chocolate, but increasingly favor more occasional consumption and products perceived as more responsible, authentic, and healthier.

Innovation remains a key driver of the category, fueled by the emergence of new recipes, formats, and ingredients. At the same time, premiumization and clean label trends continue to gain importance. While the number of new product launches remained relatively stable between 2021 and 2025, an acceleration of innovation activity was observed in 2025 (Mintel GNPD).

Recent product developments are increasingly focused on higher cocoa content, supported by claims related to quality, authenticity, and enhanced nutritional benefits. In this context, sugar reduction and protein fortification represent major differentiation opportunities, paving the way for healthier and more functional offerings.

Consumer expectations are also expanding to include transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Increasing traceability requirements, along with the growing adoption of environmental and fair-trade certifications, continue to shape the market. In response to these evolving expectations, Lactalis Ingredients remains committed to supporting sustainable development goals. Respect for dairy farmers, responsible resource management, and transparency are at the core of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach, enabling the company to offer ingredients aligned with current market challenges and consumer expectations.