There are approximately 210 million hot chocolates served out-of-home. Independent research found just 8% of the people surveyed had enjoyed a ‘very good’ hot chocolate while travelling. This number increased to 10% from a vending machine and 21% using in-room services.
Restaurants and cafés fared better with almost two thirds of people rating their chocolate as ‘very good’ (64% and 62%).
Zareen Deboo, foodservice channel operators manager for Ferrero UK & Ireland, said: “Thorntons luxury hot chocolate powder has been developed to streamline consumer experiences and upgrade the quality of hot chocolate across in-room, vending and the onboard market.
“The launch not only guarantees a quality experience that will no doubt surprise consumers, but also help operators boost their hot chocolate sales – no matter their market.”
The research also found that 75% of people surveyed preferred a branded hot chocolate- rising to 90% if consumers knew it was Thorntons.
The ‘luxury’ hot chocolate is made using Thorntons chocolate recipe and already contains the milk powder so operators need to just add water.