Everyone loves chocolate. In an April 2018 report, Mintel reports that 90 percent of adults reported purchasing some form of chocolate in a three-month period of time. The demand for premium chocolate is increasing, with consumers showing interest in single-origin chocolate and branching out into details like provenance and origin, as well as flavor pairings with exotic profiles like chili, fennel, cardamom, and matcha green tea.
Consumer interest in specialized diets also has chocolate ingredient suppliers innovating with dairy-free and vegan chocolate products, as well as fortifying products with ingredients such as protein. The sourcing process is also increasingly transparent, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and ethical.