Almonds and ChocolateThe Perfect Pair

Global demand for chocolate is on the rise. In the past decade alone, the number of new chocolate product introductions around the world has more than doubled. Chocolate products with nuts accounted for approximately one-quarter of new chocolate product introductions, with more than one-third of those including almonds specifically, according to the 2009 Mintel Global New Products Database. This suggests that consumer demand for chocolate products with almonds is also on the rise.

To better understand consumers attitudes, awareness and chocolate consumption, the Almond Board of California recently commissioned the Global Chocolate Study, a quantitative chocolate study in North America and key markets in Asia and Europe, conducted by Sterling-Rice Group.

According to the results, roughly 70% of survey respondents are more likely to buy a chocolate product with almonds over a chocolate product without almonds. Further, when tasked with describing their ideal chocolate bar, participants around the world chose almonds as the No. 1 ingredient for inclusion. In seven of the eight regions surveyed, almonds were either the first or second nut selected for inclusion in respondents ideal chocolate product. Almonds were also voted the nut that fits best with both milk and dark chocolate, and outperformed other nuts on some of the most-important attribute rankings, including tastes best," high quality" and satisfying."

Participants who chose to include almonds in their ideal chocolate product were also more likely to describe their creation as tastes good," high-quality" and nutritious," and noted that their concept would fit a variety of moods, including relaxed," carefree," romantic" and celebratory."

Consumers recognize almonds as an ingredient that is both wholesome and delicious, so its easy to understand why they want to see more almonds in their chocolate products," says Stacey Humble, director, North America marketing and global strategic initiatives. Almonds distinct buttery flavor and crunchy texture are an ideal match for the smooth, creamy nature of chocolate."

The global chocolate study also revealed that, while only 13% of consumers are currently eating chocolate products with almonds, 41% report wanting to see more. This finding suggests enormous opportunity for confectionery manufacturers to leverage almonds desirable flavor and versatility, and develop chocolate products that satisfy that global sweet tooth.

Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 oz. per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that the majority of your fat intake be unsaturated. One serving of almonds (28 grams) has 13 grams of unsaturated fat and only 1 gram of saturated fat.

Almonds have unique universal appeal, are available in more forms than almost any other tree nut and have remained a reliable ingredient that manufacturers can count on year over year," says Humble.

Almond Board of California

1150 Ninth Street, Suite 1500

Modesto, CA 95354

Phone: 209/549-8262

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: almondboard.com