Chocolate is packaged in myths — as a food fit for gods, as an aphrodisiac, and more recently as a must-gift for someone you care about, especially for Valentine’s Day.
“Valentine’s Day is the second largest season for chocolate and candy — after Halloween and before Easter,” Christopher Gindlesperger, senior vice president of public affairs and communications of the National Confectioners Association, wrote in an email. About 33 percent of people prefer receiving chocolate as a gift on Valentine’s Day, he said.
In 2018, chocolate sales in the United States hit more than $21 billion, he said, and premium chocolate sales grew more than 19 percent last year. The association’s recent consumer survey shows about 48 percent of respondents favor “quality over quantity,” while 34 percent prefer their favorite brand or type of chocolate. About 18 percent focus on the size and/or shape of the box.
About 33 percent of respondents preferred caramel-filled chocolates above other flavor combinations, he added.
Recently, the confectioners association launched a new initiative for consumers looking to manage their sugar intake. The confectionery industry is working with the Partnership for a Healthier America to engage with consumers to help them make informed choices.
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