The sweets and snacks trade fair (which runs from 30 January to 2 February at Koelnmesse) will be featuring plant-based chocolate and new releases from leading manufacturers as well as fine chocolate retailers worldwide.
An alternative to the typically marketed dark chocolate, the popularity of oat m!lk has sky-rocketed over the last year, said Luker Chocolate. Consumers looking for non-dairy chocolate, which is still indulgent, have turned to 'oat m!lk' products to satisfy their taste buds, with sales surging more than 70% in 2020, according to Mintel.
Plant-based chocolate has also seen a growth of opportunity in the wellness food market. The wellness market is projected to have grown 15% in 2021, and thanks to the lack of health and planet implications in free-from diets, this food sector is set to grow exponentially.
Due to oat m!lk’s creamy consistency, free-from consumers can indulge in a range of both milk and white chocolate covertures, without sacrificing taste. These chocolates are also gluten free, adding further compatibility for free-from diets.
White Oat m!lk chocolate
Luker’s 43% Balance Oat M!lk chocolate mixes the exquisite flavour of Colombia’s Cacao Fino de Aroma. Loved by manufacturers and artisan chocolatiers for its creamy texture, sweet aroma and low bitter flavour, the chocolate B4B manufacturer is also expanding its offering to include 36.6 % White Oat M!lk chocolate. “Now, chocolatiers worldwide can create exquisite plant-based white chocolate products to keep up with the growing white chocolate market, anticipated to reach $19.7bn by 2026,” it said.
Manuel de la Peña, VP of Global Sales at Luker Chocolate, says, “Oat m!lk continues to perform very well for us in Europe, and increasingly in American markets. As we turn over into a new year, the oat m!lk chocolate sector continues to grow at pace, with more opportunity than ever to create plant-based and vegan-friendly options. As a leading manufacturer, it’s our job to ensure demand is met and help our clients create bold new products that continue to shake up the sector.”
