Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. is 'punching up premium'
As one of the leaders in the premium chocolate segment, Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. looks to expand the category with innovative products and marketing support.
In case you haven’t noticed, premium chocolate’s back. In fact, it never went away, points out Marty Thompson, Ghirardelli’s recently appointed president and ceo. True, there was a shakeout following the recession, but category leaders, such as Ghirardelli, never wavered.
Rather, sales for the company grew. Last year, the company posted a 13.4% gain. From 2005 through 2010, company sales shot up 75%. Currently, grocery sales are tracking 12% higher year-to-date. National accounts, which include mass merchandisers, drug store chains and club stores are delivering double-digit growth as well.