Functional Chocolate Sector To Hit $353M by 2015

HAMBURG, GermanyThe global chocolate confectionery market as a whole represented more than $107.3 billion in sales for 2012, and Euromonitor International forecasts the category to reach $124.3 billion by 2015. Functional chocolate, which represents a small portion of that total at $296.8 million in sales for 2012, is forecasted to leap by 19% to $353.8 million by 2015.

Herza Schokolade GmbH & Co. KG, based in Hamburg, reports functional chocolate bars comprise one of the booming segments of the rapidly expanding functional food market, combining health and fitness with convenience and pleasure. Variants directed toward specific target groups offer value-added potential.

While only a few years ago functional bars were directed chiefly toward athletes, currently functional chocolate is a distinct segment that serves diverse target groups. Marc van Essen, key account manager, Herza said: "Cyclists need different nutrients from body-builders, so there is a correspondingly high level of diversification." Through specific use of amino acids, dietary fibers, secondary plant metabolites, vitamins or fatty acids, for example, manufacturers can create bars to meet the needs of individual consumer groups.

Protein bars, for example, serve as meal replacers in the context of a calorie-reduced diet when incorporating L-carnitine, for example, know chiefly for its fat-burning properties.

According to the company, lifestyle products constitutes another growing category. Kim Herrmann, product developer, Herza, said: "Besides bars containing guarana, variants that promote concentration and performance are conceivable. This effect can be achieved with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and lecithin powder. And even a beauty bar could be developed with the use of coenzyme Q10. In principle there is no end to the possibilities." The company notes that of equal importanceis flavor, consistency and mouthfeel.