More transparent labelling will enable consumers to make more informed choices, as new EU labelling legislation comes into force on December 13. The new EU rules – set out in the Food Information to Consumers Regulation – will require much more detailed listing of food ingredients.
For example, much more specific information will be required on the labelling of allergens and fats. Cargill's senior marketing manager, chocolate, Brigitte Bayart said: “Cargill can provide non-GMO [genetically modified organism] options or sunflower lecithin formulations for cocoa and chocolate products.
‘New product development’
“In certain markets, the company is able to provide coatings and fillings using segregated or mass balance RSPO [Responsibly produced Palm Oil] for new product development.”
The other top two trends were: Good fats, good carbs and More in store for protein. The Good fats, good carbs trend highlighted the growing importance of healthy and unsaturated fats and oils alongside sugar reduction.
More in store for protein reflected the booming market for protein-enriched food products. Last year, 15% of global breakfast cereal launches carried a protein claim.
Dairy launches with protein claims
Also dairy launches with protein claims rose by 34% between 2010–13. Chocolate was the top flavour for ready-to-drink protein beverages launched worldwide in 2013–14, said the firm.
Head of research at Innova Market Insights Lu Ann Williams said the food trends show an emphasis on transparency and on real ingredients. “These are notable factors driving consumers to make more conscious choices in the products they buy, while still enjoying the indulgent taste of cocoa and chocolate products,” said Williams.
The three top trends were adapted from Innova’s list of top five food trends for next year, released earlier this month. The five trends were:
1 .From clean to clear label
2. Convenience for foodies
3. Marketing to millennials
4. Snacks rise to the occasion
5. Good fats, good carbs
Meanwhile, Cadbury Dairy Milk retained its crown as top of the UK chocs, according to the latest research by IRI research data. The Mondelēz International brand retained its premier position topping the list of 10 chocolate makes.
Cadbury Dairy Milk achieved sales of £491M in the year to August 16, 2014.
Top chocolate trends for 2015
• From clean to clear label
• Good fats, good carbs
• More in store for protein
Source: Cargill and Innova