9th Oct 2009 - 00:00
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Abstract
New research from analysts Mintel has shown that Britons spend more on chocolate than any other country in Europe and despite the recession bought £3.5 billion worth of the sweet stuff.
Only Germany, with over 20 million more people, came close to the United Kingdom spend with £3.4 billion in 2008. Mintel said that the British spent an impressive £57 per head of population on chocolate in 2008. Steve Charlton, managing director Mintel GMN said: "These figures demonstrate the British love of chocolate remains as strong as ever. The fact that we buy more chocolate than any other European country, despite recessionary pressure and our comparative lack in size, shows where the priorities of sweet toothed Brits lie." It would also appear that the UK is developing a healthier appetite when it comes to chocolate confectionary.
Reduced sugar chocolate launches rose from just six in 2007 to 26 in 2008, gluten free chocolate launches from 13 in 2007 to 40 in 2008 and additive free chocolate from 22 in 2007 to 46 launches in 2008.