Is there chocolate on your menu?

Chocolate Week is the UK's biggest chocolate celebration and is happening from the 13th – 19th October. From restaurants creating chocolate inspired menus to The Chocolate Show in London we'll be bringing you all things chocolate.

 

Belgian chocolate giant Callebaut has called for more options for British cocoa lovers.

The UK has proven itself a nation of chocolate lovers with 66% of consumers wanting restaurants to offer more chocolate varieties, while a staggering 70% of 18-34-year-olds – an important age group for out-of-home spending – are happy to pay more for their favourite chocolate dessert. Dare not to have a chocolate treat on menus and 30% of people may choose not to order a dessert altogether!

Callebaut, the Belgian chocolate maker, explored the nation’s chocolate eating habits and the trends that will be shaping menus over the coming months. They also pinpointed the nation’s favourite chocolate desserts. Chocolate brownie is the clear number one followed by cheesecake, cake, pudding and ice cream. Their research also revealed that chocolate desserts command an 11% premium over non-chocolate dishes.

Although 75% of people would like three or more cocoa based desserts to choose from, the average number of chocolate desserts available on a menu is two. Robert Harrison, Sales Director at Callebaut, explains:

“The clear message coming through from this research is that caterers should be offering more chocolate desserts. We are a nation of chocolate lovers and people clearly want more options.

“Caterers are missing out not only on sales but are actually limiting the profit potential of their dessert menu by not including chocolate. There is a real ‘disconnect’ between what many consumers want and what’s being provided.” He added, “Caterers who are able to gear up for this demand will reap the benefits in terms of increased turnover.”

The research marks the launch of Callebaut’s new “For The Love of Chocolate” campaign which has been developed to ensure customers get exactly what they want from caterers.

For over 100 years, Callebaut has been making chocolate in the heart of Belgium. From cocoa bean to chocolate, Callebaut’s chocolate is the choice for confectioners, pastry chefs and chocolatiers all over the world. 2015 will also see Callebaut give two caterers the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Ghana to see where it all begins.

The research also highlights that:

2 in 3 people would be prepared to pay an additional £1 or more for their favourite chocolate dessert over other choices on offer.

The nation’s top 5 chocolate desserts are*:

• Brownie


• Cheesecake


• Cake


• Pudding


• Ice Cream

* according to Consumer Toluna research:

For more information on the key research findings, please see: www.fortheloveofchoc.com  

By Tom Evans