5 Easter Chocolate Trends to Watch for in the UK

Easter is just around the corner, and a host of delicious chocolate treats come with it. From chocolate eggs to hot cross buns, there are plenty of sweet treats to create over Easter. But what are the latest Easter trends for the chocolate confectionery industry in the UK? Here are five that you need to know to meet the need of your consumers: 

1. Sustainable and ethical chocolate

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and concern about the environmental and social impact of the chocolate industry, particularly when it comes to producing cocoa beans, the main ingredient in chocolate. Many consumers are now looking for chocolate products that are made sustainably and ethically, with a focus on protecting the environment and ensuring fair working conditions and wages for cocoa farmers. 

Our vision at Luker Chocolate has been to contribute to the sustainable development of communities in Colombia, which is why we have three objectives: 

• Strengthen social well-being.
• Increase the income of the small producers and communities.
• Work in balance with the environment. 

We are committed to building long-term relationships with employees, small grower associations, and communities. Through chocolate, together, we can create a more prosperous future for everyone.  

Sustainability is not just a trend or a buzzword but a fundamental principle that guides everything we do. We are proud of our commitment to sustainable and ethical chocolate production and will continue working towards a more responsible chocolate industry for years. 

2. Plant-based chocolate

The plant-based chocolate trend is gaining popularity, driven by increasing consumer interest in plant-based diets and more ethical and sustainable food choices. In addition to being suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies or intolerances, plant-based chocolate is often considered a healthier option than traditional chocolate. This growth is reflected in the popularity of these products, with many brands offering dairy-free and vegan options. 

We are not the exception! Discover our Plant-Based range that includes chocolates free from dairy, gluten, and soy, making them an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. They also are made from cacao Fino de Aroma, offering a unique flavour in the market. 

As more consumers become aware of plant-based chocolate's health and environmental benefits, we expect to see continued growth in this segment of the chocolate market. 

3. Premium Chocolate

Consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality chocolate made with premium ingredients. One of the key characteristics of premium chocolate is its high cocoa content, which can range from 70% to 100% or more. This higher cocoa content gives premium chocolate a richer and more intense flavour and a more complex aroma and texture. 

Another characteristic of premium chocolate is the use of high-quality ingredients. Premium chocolatiers often include chocolates made from specific regions or farms in their recipes, bringing to their final product all the different notes such as vanilla, nuts, floral, etc., this kind of chocolate can have.  

This trend is particularly evident around Easter, with many artisanal chocolatiers creating unique and creative chocolate treats for the holiday. 

Our Selected Origins portfolio perfectly fits this trend, and the market needs fine chocolates. This line features chocolates crafted at origin made with cacao Fino de Aroma from single Colombia regions, farms and countries such as Perú and Ecuador, allowing for unique flavour profiles and a traceable supply chain. 

4. Healthier Chocolate

As Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, there is a growing demand for chocolate products that are lower in sugar or calories and contain additional health benefits.  

One of the ways chocolate companies are responding to this trend by developing chocolates with alternatives to regular sugar, using natural sweeteners such as coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup, and sugar substitutes like stevia, which can reduce the calorie content of chocolate without sacrificing taste. That’s what we bring you; our healthy range includes chocolates low in sugar and calories and with alternative sweeteners. 

Overall, the trend towards healthier chocolate reflects a growing consumer interest in wellness and healthy eating and a desire for indulgent treats that are still good for you. 

5. Personalized Chocolate

Personalization is another trend becoming increasingly popular in the UK chocolate industry. Many chocolate companies now offer personalized Easter eggs and other chocolate treats, allowing consumers to add their names, messages, and designs to their chocolate. This trend reflects the growing desire for unique and customizable products and adds excitement and anticipation to the Easter holiday.  

Also, there is plenty of techniques you can use to personalize your treats and make them look different, and seek the attention of those consumer looking for something new and fresh:  

• Hand-painted chocolates: Hand-painting chocolate allows chocolatiers to create intricate designs and patterns on their chocolates. These can range from simple floral patterns to elaborate Easter scenes.
• Chocolate moulds: Chocolate moulds are a classic technique for creating Easter eggs and bunnies. Chocolatiers can create moulds in various shapes and sizes, allowing for endless creativity.
• Chocolate sculpture: Some chocolatiers create large-scale chocolate sculptures for an awe-inspiring Easter centrepiece. These can range from whimsical Easter animals to elaborate Easter scenes.
• Chocolate decorations: Chocolatiers can use various techniques to create decorative elements for their Easter chocolates. These can include chocolate curls, shavings, and even intricate chocolate flowers.