By Marcela Jaramillo Asmar, VP of Marketing at Luker Chocolate
As the landscape of food and beverage innovation continues to evolve, businesses must stay ahead of shifts in consumer preference and key into trend data in order to ideate new products and offerings in order to stay competitive and profitable. Case in point, the global functional food market is projected to reach nearly $526M by 2031 due to a stabilized consumer demand for functional ingredients in both sweet and savory food products across the United States[1].
The intersection of health and indulgence has become a niche in the food industry with more consumers than ever looking for something comforting while feeling health and wellness benefits. Consumers want to know the products they purchase are nutritious without sacrificing taste. This has directly resulted in a drive in products like probiotic drinks, protein-enriched frozen breakfast pastries, and vitamin-enhanced puddings and in order to offer these formulations to consumers, companies need to find suppliers who are creating purpose-driven ingredients that align with trending functionalities.
So, the challenge lies with suppliers, who often use consumer data and trend predictions in order to develop new capabilities for partners, and in the growing market for functional ingredients, there is a new challenge of blending indulgence and functionality with every bite. Recognizing consumer trends early on and applying trend data to innovations can directly benefit partners and bridge the gap between taste and wellness. For instance, Luker Chocolate took the growing demand for protein-enriched offerings and created a formulation that would help partners meet the market need and offer something brand new to their audiences.
Crafted to meet consumer demand for indulgent functionality, Luker’s 44% Dark Chocolate with Protein is kosher, plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO, and crafted at origin while containing 5g protein in every 25g serving. This chocolate was made specifically for manufacturers looking to complement the protein content of functional snacks while creating satisfying functional confectionery options, and thus far, applications have included snacking options such as chocolate chips, trail mixes, enrobed nutritional bars, and more.
By understanding consumer insights and tracking market behavior, brands can more quickly develop products that meet consumer demand and enhance profitability long term as they can integrate more functional ingredients into offerings and fill additional gaps within an otherwise crowded market.
So, what is driving the trend of functional ingredients, specifically in the sweets sector? It may be the drive for immune-boosting foods following the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased consumer awareness around health in recent years, but data shows the trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. There is a growing consumer desire for longevity and healthful foods, even in the sweet category. Chocolate has proven to be an ideal vehicle to incorporate protein, fiber, and other nutrients into each sweet bite.
Furthermore, brands don’t need to sacrifice core values in order to meet market demand. As the bulk of consumers look to make a more positive impact on their health and the environment, companies can align their mission while rising up to consumer trends. For example, Luker Chocolate’s longtime commitment to sustainability helps ensure that every innovation is aligned with broader trends around environmental stewardship and ethical sourcing. By sourcing cocoa responsibly and creating deep farmer relationships, Luker covers the overlap of consumers who are conscious about their own health and the health of the planet.
A forward-thinking strategy that leans into data and trends is crucial when it comes to staying competitive within the sweets sector. By providing a chance to blend indulgent flavors with nutritional ingredients, companies like Luker are helping their manufacturing partners and consumers alike live the sweet life.
About the Author
Marcela Jaramillo Asmar, Vice President of Marketing at Luker Chocolate, is a professional with more than 15 years of experience in integrated marketing communications. She has extensive knowledge in brand portfolio management, digital marketing, market research, and B2b marketing. Prior to joining Luker Chocolate, Marcela worked as Communications Development Manager for Nestle and Marketing Director for Café de Colombia.
About Luker Chocolate
Luker Chocolate is a B-Corp Certified Colombian B4B (business for business) manufacturer specializing in helping companies create purpose-driven products with a wide range of fine chocolate ingredients made with the highest quality cocoa following the best practice in sustainability standards. Products are made from directly sourced Cacao Fino de Aroma and are characterized for superior taste. To drive well-being across the cocoa value chain, Luker’s partners are committed to quality and sustainability, developing exceptional tasting and impactful chocolate products.
