Sweets & Snacks Expo 2023

New innovations and intense indulgences revealed at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo

By Anthony Myers

- Last updated on GMT

Laura Bergan, Barry Callebaut’s Director of Marketing, BC Brand, taking about innovation at Sweets & Snacks. Pic: CN
Laura Bergan, Barry Callebaut’s Director of Marketing, BC Brand, taking about innovation at Sweets & Snacks. Pic: CN

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Launched in Europe towards the end of 2022, Barry Callebaut’s latest headline innovation - 2nd Generation Chocolate - landed in the United States this week, with an exclusive first taste for Expo attendees intrigued by claims of ‘a redesigned approach to traditional chocolate production’.

Viewed as a renaissance in cocoa, 2nd​ Generation Dark chocolate is made of two ‘noble’ ingredients: cocoa to which only sugar is added. Milk chocolate is made from three ‘noble’ ingredients of cocoa, milk and sugar and made possible through the careful selection of beans, precise fermentation and roasting.

Laura Bergan, Barry Callebaut’s Director of Marketing, BC Brand, presented a talk on premium chocolate trends on the Expo’s Innovation stage and said the 2nd Generation of Chocolate fits neatly into the ‘Mindful Indulgence’ trends. The company highlighted them in consumers' changing attitudes to life with its Future of Indulgence report, revealed at last year’s Sweets & Snacks.

Bergan outlined Barry Callebaut's focus on providing chocolate that allows consumers to enjoy life to the fullest, ‘turning the moment into something special and looking for intense experiences’.

The fact that consumers are taking their health more seriously is also a reason to look more closely at 2nd​ Generation Chocolate with its ingredient deck listing cocoa as the first ingredient and sugar as the last. This new product design achieves a 50% sugar reduction versus the most consumed chocolates on the market, Barry Callebaut claims.

The emergence of Intense Indulgence is apparent in consumers’ desire to indulge more, find more excitement in life, and turn little moments into something special​,” said Bergan. “We’ve been intently focused on providing solutions and innovations, like the ruby chip to satisfy this evolving consumer attitude​.”

Along with the 2nd Generation of Chocolate, Barry Callebaut also showcased the new Ruby Baking Chip.

Following ruby chocolate’s 2017 debut as one of the biggest breakthroughs in the confectionery industry in decades, Barry Callebaut’s underscored its commitment to the premium and flavour-forward product range, including solutions for confections, ice cream and now baking and snacks.

We are excited to bring ruby chocolate into a new segment and category for our customers​,” said Steve Woolley, President & CEO Americas. “The Ruby Baking Chip offers a new flavour and taste experience for the snack and baking manufacturer​.”

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