Godiva sweetens Campbell sales
as the food group noted a significant increase in sales this year -
pointing to increased demand for luxury confectionery.
Along with the group's away from home sector, the Godiva chocolate company, wholly owned by US based Campbell, supplemented the business' sales with an increase of 6 per cent to $200m (€157.4m).
Defying the trend towards 'healthier' products, the luxury confectionery market is experiencing an upturn, with consumers placing a high value on premium chocolate ranges such as Godiva.
Campbell recorded a 4 per cent rise in sales overall from $7,072m (€5,567m) to $7,343m (€5,780) but the company said: "Godiva chocolatier also delivered a strong year with growth in all regions."
Godiva, which originated in Belgium and now sells worldwide, specialises in truffles and gift confectionery with marketing focusing on the quality of products.
Campbell said: "Godiva Chocolatier sales increases were driven by same store sales growth in all regions. In the US, new products such as the platinum collection and 'chocolixir' beverages achieved good results."
According to the company, sales of the chocolates in Europe were driven by increases in duty-free sales, highlighting the product's core gift market.
Market researchers Leatherhead International expects the global chocolate market to be worth $71,720m (€56,427m) in sales this year.
The researchers said: "Much of the recent growth in market value can be attributed to rising demand for premium varieties of chocolate such as health-oriented and gift lines."
