As the summer approaches, the U.S. chocolate candy market is heating up. For brand marketers and managers seeking to capture market share and drive growth, it’s crucial to understand the latest trends and consumer preferences. Below is a detailed overview of the top brands, purchasing habits, and emerging trends in the chocolate candy industry tracked by Evidnt’s sales platform.

Top 5 Most Popular Chocolate Brands and Their Market Share:

Major holding companies such as Hershey, Mars, Mondelez, and Ferrero dominate the U.S. chocolate market, but buyers are more concerned with the brands:

1. Hershey’s: 19% share of sales
2. Reese’s: 16%
3. Snickers: 12%
4. M&Ms: 8%
5. Kinder: 5%

These market leaders owe their success to their strong heritage, extensive distribution, and continuous innovation.

Where Consumers Buy Chocolate:

Consumers typically purchase chocolate from the following retail outlets, with the respective shares:

Supermarkets: 42%
Convenience Stores: 41%
Online Stores: 6%
Specialty Stores: 11%

The high sales in supermarkets and convenience stores emphasize the significance of availability and impulse buying for chocolate consumers.

Emerging Chocolate Brands and Flavors:

Exciting developments are occurring in the chocolate candy market, with new brands and unique flavors gaining popularity. Notable trends include:

• Brand Collaborations: Products like Oreo’s partnership with Milka chocolate bars drive increased sales for both brands. These collaborations offer unique flavor experiences that attract consumers looking for novel products.
• Health-Conscious Options: Brands like ChocZero and Skinny Dipped are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers. ChocZero offers sugar-free chocolate options, while Skinny Dipped provides chocolate products that align with the Keto diet.
• Freeze-Dried: A trend driven by social media platforms like TikTok is the rise of freeze-dried chocolate and candy. This process intensifies the flavor and adds a crispy, airy texture, appealing to adventurous eaters looking for a new experience.

Marketing Strategies for Chocolate Brands:

Leveraging collaborative promotions, emphasizing health benefits, engaging with social media platforms, and optimizing retail presence are key marketing strategies for chocolate brands to stay ahead in this dynamic market.

Leveraging Collaborations and Trends

Success in the chocolate market often involves strategic collaborations and trend alignments. For example, Milka’s collaboration with Oreo brought together two beloved brands, resulting in a product that appeals to fans of both. This kind of partnership broadens the consumer base and creates opportunities for joint marketing efforts, enhancing brand visibility.

Tracking emerging trends, such as freeze-dried chocolate, can be a game-changer. Brands that quickly adapt to these trends and align their product promotions accordingly can capture the attention of trend-savvy consumers. Using sales data to highlight these new trending sales of innovative products can capture trending demand and boost sales.

Conclusion

The U.S. chocolate candy market is vibrant and evolving, with significant brands maintaining dominance while new trends and products emerge. Understanding these trends and consumer behaviors helps brands and retailers adapt their strategies to maximize sales and meet demand. Chocolate brands can stay ahead in this dynamic market by focusing on collaborative promotions, health-conscious marketing, social media engagement, and optimizing distribution channels. Leveraging these insights ensures competitiveness and relevance in the eyes of consumers.