The Sweet Connection: Unravelling the Tradition of Chocolate and Easter

Why is chocolate a tradition on Easter?

Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus. However, centuries before this, it was a festival celebrating the beginning of spring, marked by the spring equinox. This natural event occurs when the sun is immediately above the equator, meaning there is an equal duration of day and night. 

For years, this celebration has been synonymous with chocolate, and for many worldwide, indulging in chocolate eggs, bunnies, and other delightful confections is an eagerly anticipated tradition. Globally, Easter is the second holiday with most new seasonal F&B (Food & Beverage) launches with a 10% share and a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 18%. (Innova market insights 2018-2022). 

In 2022, the growth of new food & beverage launches with a seasonal Eater claim was +49%, and the confectionery and bakery industry made up the majority of launches tracked (Global, 2018-2022). 

As this important event in the chocolate industry is already here, get inspired by a host of fresh flavours and luxurious chocolate couvertures to take your creations to the next level. 

Keeping your chocolate treats on trend

The Evolution of Easter Chocolate Traditions

EASTER BASKETS

This traditional gift usually includes chocolate Easter eggs, bunnies, cakes, bakes, and pastries. Our range of Colombian milk chocolate couvertures is perfect for creating these treats because of its various sensorial profiles created to cater to specific market needs and applications. All of them have particular flavour and performance characteristics. These chocolates have a higher cocoa content than usual milk chocolates in the market, making your products stand out. 

Colourful is the trend this year! Make your chocolate treats as creative as possible, incorporating inclusions and decorative figures. If you want to indulge, our milk chocolate Carmelo combines perfectly with your classic recipes and is one of the top flavours among chocolate confectionery launches for this holiday. 

Don't forget to make your baskets vegan-friendly; the plant-based food and beverage launches tracked with an Easter theme growth was +58% (Global CAGR 2018-2022), and in confectionery, the increase was even higher with +65%. Our 43% Oat M!lk chocolate couverture is perfect for making your recipes stand out from the options you can find on the market, and we have a version of this great chocolate with erythritol and stevia if you are searching to meet the needs of those who are looking for healthier but indulgent options. 

EASTER EGGS

British chocolatiers JS Fry & Sons produced the first hollow chocolate egg in 1873. Two years later, John Cadbury followed suit, and his company was the first to make them on a large scale.

Over the years, chocolate became easier to produce, and Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate in 1875. From then on, chocolate eggs became a staple of Easter confectionery.

These days Easter eggs come in all shapes and sizes; people are looking for different and personalized options this year. Add bright colours, moulds, shapes and patterns to make your products stand out. Also, use premium chocolate couvertures to meet the market's need for high-quality and single-origin chocolates; we recommend our Selected Origins portfolio. This line showcases the unique flavour profile of each chocolate made with cacao Fino de Aroma from different countries and Colombian regions, all crafted at origin, making these couvertures perfect for making the finest chocolate eggs. 

If you want to stay classic conventional flavours like milk chocolate have high penetration, while seasonal flavours drive consumer demand. 

Tip:

• Don't be afraid to mix flavours and try new things! For example, the orange flavour is one of the favourites and goes perfectly with our 70% dark chocolate single-origin Huila. 

• Remember, the way that you present your products matters. Create eye-catching packaging for your customers: 
• • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled paper, biodegradable boxes, or reusable containers; this can help reduce your environmental impact and appeal to environmentally conscious customers
  • Personalized Packaging: Offer customization options for your packaging, including the recipient's name, a special message, or unique designs; this adds a personal touch and makes the gift more memorable.
  • Luxury and Premium Packaging: Elevate your product presentation with high-quality materials, such as embossed boxes, satin ribbons, or velvet pouches; this can enhance the perceived value of your chocolates and make them stand out as luxury gifts.
  • Transparent Packaging: Use clear boxes or cellophane bags to showcase the beauty of your chocolate creations; this allows customers to see your products' intricate details and craftsmanship before purchasing.

Elevating the Easter Chocolate Experience

• Artisanal Creations: One of the most exciting trends in the chocolate industry is the rise of artisanal creations. Skilled chocolatiers craft beautiful, hand-made Easter eggs and treats that showcase their artistry and expertise. These creations often feature intricate designs and unique flavour combinations, making them a truly memorable gift.

• Gourmet and Exotic Flavour Combinations: Chocolatiers are increasingly pushing the boundaries with flavour pairings, creating Easter chocolates that excite the palate and offer a fresh twist on classic treats. Look for combinations that blend sweet, savoury, and spicy elements, such as dark chocolate with sea salt and caramel, milk chocolate with chilli, or white chocolate with matcha and raspberry. The incorporation of exotic fruits, spices, and herbs adds an element of surprise and sophistication to Easter confections.

Remember that any season is the perfect time to enhance the flavour of your recipes with our ingredients. Let us accompany you for the rest of the year with our chocolate portfolios and get inspired by our content.