Confectionery Industry Forecast Is Sweet: Globally Inspired Flavors, Eco-Friendly and Health Minded Trends Lead New Product I...( ...),Health

Chocolate and Candy Remain Recession Resistant

WASHINGTON, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Experimenting with flavors, flexibility and variety, confectionery makers are thinking outside the bar to provide consumers with chocolate and candy innovation that will drive consumer purchasing over the next five years, according to the National Confectioners Association's (NCA) Confectionery Industry Trend Report 2009. Even in economic uncertainty, the industry continues to post gains.

"Insight from the confectionery industry's leading influentials provides an appetizing future for consumers and the industry alike," says NCA President Larry Graham. "Chocolate and confections are treats that consumers can count on to be affordable luxuries. Our industry provides people with new choices, new experiences and old favorites that provide moments of happiness to be enjoyed any time."

With in-depth insight from 40 industry experts, including top manufacturers, market researchers, award-winning chocolatiers, nutritionists and confectionery makers, NCA's Industry Trend Report captures the confectionery trends and influences that will foster growth of the industry through 2014. Top line category trends include:

• Chocolate explosion
• Health benefits
• Flavor fusions
• International influences

So, what's next?

Experts believe that the next "big" trend in confections will be healthier confectionery options, specifically a growing demand for health benefits and 'better for you' ingredients, according to almost nine out of ten (88 percent) experts. Already, we are seeing consumers embrace portion-control sized treats and the potential heart health benefits of higher cacao content in chocolate. As consumers continue to lead hea
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