The UK accounted for 5% of total chocolate new product development, the fourth highest after US, Germany and France.
Some 10% of global Easter chocolate product launches in 2017 were also taken by the UK, second only to Brazil at 11%.
The average Brit consumed 8.4 kg worth of chocolate in 2017, the most of any country, with Switzerland and Germany close behind.
According to Mintel GNPD, bite-sized formats are increasing in popularity globally, while low-sugar or low-fat varieties have sold 22% less between 2013 and 2017.
There is now a higher demand for vegan chocolates across Europe. In 2017, 8% of chocolate launches in the UK were vegan.
Marcia Mogelonsky, director of insight, Mintel Food and Drink, said: “Easter represents one of those ‘permissible indulgence’ moments where consumers enjoy giving and receiving chocolate treats. The holiday also marks a time for increased innovation in confectionery as consumers seek new and novel products.
“In the UK, for example, Easter eggs flavoured with beer or stout, which were the rage in past years, have given way to new alternatives such as gin-and-tonic flavoured eggs.”