ofi predicts upcoming festive trends

December 6, 2023

Ahead of this year’s festive season, olam food ingredients (ofi) has identified four upcoming chocolate and confectionery trends due to shape the festivity.

This includes festive flavours getting a hot twist; premium advent calendars; the growth of artisanal and handcrafted treats; home-made Christmas crafts.

As part of festive flavours getting a hot twist, Christmas spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are long-standing staples, but ofi has said it expects consumers to be more adventurous with their flavour choice as unconventional spice combinations like chilli chocolate, appear in food and beverage products.

With premium advent calendars on the rise, confectionery manufacturers can use this as a moment to experiment with new flavours and formulations to create premium calendars that stand out on the shelf.

The global premium chocolate market is expected to expand 8.5% by 2028, according to Market Watch. As a result, there has been a growth in premium offerings as manufacturers look to tempt consumers with luxurious choices.

Others are looking to demonstrate innovation in formulation and respond to growing plant-based demand. According to ofi’s research, oat milk performs best as a dairy alternative in confectionery.

The growth of the artisanal and handcrafted market has demonstrated artisanal chocolate can be one of the most affordable luxuries as consumers seek out unique and special gifts. Globally, artisan and premium chocolate launches have been growing over the last five years with an average of 4.4% CAGR.

Handmade chocolates, gourmet truffles, small-batch candies crafted with premium ingredients are in high demand. Indulgence is key when it comes to artisan and handcrafted treats.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to rise, consumers may be choosing to spend more time at home, fuelling the growth of Christmas crafts at home. Home baking is likely to prove a hit this year as it provides families with a fun and affordable way to spend time together over the holiday period.

“The giving, receiving, and sharing of chocolate and confectionery is central to so many festive celebrations around the world. And this year, consumer expectations are higher than ever, with many seeking new and novel Christmas offerings that bring a blend of tradition and innovation,” said Naveen Pessani, Technical Category Manager for Chocolate & Confectionery at ofi. “The brands that will win this Christmas are those that are re-imagining holiday staples and delivering exciting and more premium products to surprise and delight consumers.”

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