2026
10
A Year of Innovation in Chocolate Confectionery 2026
2026-02-12T12:01:27+00:00
REP06502438_A5B8_494F_9024_38A5B8E94FB8
2195
191175
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Report
en_GB
Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate, brands are prioritising texture when innovating. Better-for-you recipes and mini formats are also trending. Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst…
Global
Chocolate Confectionery
simple

A Year of Innovation in Chocolate Confectionery 2026

"Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate, brands are prioritising texture when innovating. Better-for-you recipes and mini formats are also trending."

Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst

Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst

Collapse All
    • What we have seen
    • Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
    • Other innovative launches
    • Global spotlight: more chocolate brands are turning to Gianduja hazelnuts as a key ingredient for product innovation
    • Could Gianduja hazelnuts rise in popularity like pistachios did in luxurious Dubai-style chocolate?
    • Global spotlight: Gianduja hazelnut-based chocolate
  1. EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)

    • Europe: Dubai's viral chocolate craze puts texture in the spotlight
    • Consumers are enticed by chocolate that combines different textures
    • Crunchy and smooth textures dominate chocolate confectionery launches across Europe
    • Graph 1: chocolate confectionery launches, by share of texture, 2021-25
    • Brands get creative with texture to captivate consumers
    • Brand renovation/innovation: Lindt launches limited-edition Tokyo-style chocolate following the success of its Dubai-style chocolate
    • Fortnum & Mason offers a harmony of chocolate, art and sound
    • Europe: eco-friendly packaging claims continue to grow among chocolate confectionery launches
    • Sustainable food & drink purchases make consumers feel good
    • Eco-friendly packaging claims are growing steadily in Europe
    • Graph 2: chocolate confectionery launches with select ethical and environmental claims, 2021-25
    • Chocolate brands highlight sustainable packaging
    • The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
    • Middle East & Africa: the success of Dubai chocolate has brands looking to other local desserts for flavour inspiration
    • Dubai chocolate remains a sensation across the Middle East
  2. ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)

    • Asia: premium chocolate is a focus of innovation
    • Flavour innovation is seen as a hallmark of luxury
    • Chocolate confectionery launches with a premium claim are growing steadily in Asia
    • Graph 3: chocolate confectionery launches, by share of premium claim, 2021-25
    • Premium chocolates elevate indulgence with rich flavours, timeless heritage and award-winning ingredients
    • Brand renovation/innovation: Belgian chocolatier Bouchard focuses on shape to enhance the chocolate eating experience
    • Asia: balancing health with indulgence
    • Chocolate confectionery supports mental health
    • Brands launch functional chocolate that serves a specific purpose
    • Australia & New Zealand: palm-oil free claims rise in chocolate confectionery
    • Consumers want to see more-sustainable chocolate confectionery
    • Chocolate confectionery brands highlight palm-oil-free recipes
  3. the americas

    • North America: chocolate confectionery brands innovate around mini formats
    • Consumers are drawn to smaller pack sizes
    • Mini or bite-size treats are often positioned as guilt-free indulgences
    • North America: chocolate confectionery with bold flavours
    • American consumers seek bold takes on classic favourites
    • In North America, classic chocolate flavours reign supreme
    • Graph 4: chocolate confectionery launches, by share of flavour profile*, 2021-25
    • Brands experiment with classic pecan and Dubai-style chocolate while also launching new flavour twists
    • 'Frozen chocolate confectionery' is gaining momentum in Latin America
    • Brazilian consumers are already enjoying frozen chocolate confectionery treats
    • Brands position chocolate-covered frozen fruit as a delicious-yet-wholesome treat

Explore the latest innovations in chocolate with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product developments over the past 12 months.

Key innovation trends in the global chocolate confectionery market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.

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