NPD
‘Significant interest’ in 100% cocoa bars: Montezuma's adds to Absolute Black range
The company will introduce Absolute Black with Orange and Cocoa Nibs, and Absolute Black with Almond in 100 g tablets for £2.59 ($3.17) from June.
Clean-eating trend
Helen Pattinson, co-founder of Montezuma’s, told ConfectioneryNews: “We’ve seen a significant interest in 100% cocoa bars and, since launching Absolute Black in April last year, it has become our most popular bar.
“The current food trends of clean eating, coupled with the rise in consumers wanting a gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free choice when it comes to chocolate has all helped increase the popularity of 100% cocoa bars. “
June launch
The latest sugar-, dairy- and gluten-free bars will be available in Montezuma’s retail stores and online from June 19 this year.
The company also hopes it can secure listings with Sainsbury’s and similar mainstream retailers for the expanded range.
UK’s chocolate market
Pattison said chocolate would sustain the socio-economic landscape in the UK as a popular treat and gifting product, driven by demand for higher quality ingredients and innovative flavors.
“As well as Absolute Black, we’ve seen that bars like Chilli and Lime Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate with Seasalt and Lime are now our best-selling flavors. Rewind five years and the plain milk and dark would have been far more popular,” she said.
Montezuma’s retail network and e-commerce offer
Montezuma’s began in 2000 as a small shop in Brighton run by Helen and Simon Pattinson.
Montezuma’s now operates six retail stores across the UK. It also sells at third party retailers – including mainstream supermarkets and its own website.
The company’s website offers a ‘Build a Bar’ service – launched in May last year - whereby shoppers can create a personalized chocolate tablet for £4.99.
Shoppers can write a message on the package, choose the color of packaging and select from 25 flavors.
