FCIA Shares Fine Chocolate Consumer Trends: Traceability, Transparency & Sense of Place
The Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) is preparing buyers to make smart purchase decisions at the 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show by sharing current research on fine chocolate consumers, ranging from demographics to consumption preferences and values. The FCIA is facilitating this by sharing recent findings from the national consumer survey; hosting a seminar on current industry trends lead by FCIA member and thought leader, Matt Caputo; and FCIA is providing connections to its members, who are exhibiting.
Fine Chocolate Consumer Survey
FCIA conducted a national survey in August 2021 which revealed the importance of ethically-sourced cacao, transparency and traceability. Among fine chocolate consumers, 70% of them look for transparency in the production process and 71% value traceability of ingredients. These values are key differentiators that highlight the interconnectedness of the fine chocolate ecosystem and give the consumer the information to make a well informed purchase. To help buyers better understand these two interconnected terms FCIA offers a simple way to clarify the distinction. Traceability is a physical map of the process from grower to chocolate maker, empowering and celebrating each actor in the value chain. Transparency is the willingness to share that map, which fosters collaboration. To view the executive summary of the survey, click here.
Fine Chocolate Industry Session at Fancy Food Show
Fine Chocolate Trends and Marketing Strategies for Specialty Food Retailers Sunday, February 6, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
FCIA member and thought leader, Matt Caputo is leading a buyer focused presentation at the show. Matt is an importer and distributor of over 60 craft chocolate brands for his company, A Priori Specialty Foods, and he is also the president/CEO of Caputo’s Market & Deli in Salt Lake City, UT, which carries an extensive chocolate selection. Matt’s unique vantage point as both a retailer and distributor will provide valuable insights into the fine chocolate industry trends he sees as a retailer. He will also share strategies to amplify a retail store’s brand positioning, while adding to the customer experience.
FCIA Members at Fancy Food Show Reflect a Global Community
FCIA’s global reach is reflected by the member companies from Colombia, Brazil and France exhibiting at the show. Visit their booths to taste their products and discover the unique flavors of fine chocolate from around the world.
Lök Foods: From the Colombian rainforest, Lök uses fine flavor cacao, which assures their chocolate’s unique taste and texture.
Mission Chocolate: Mission Chocolate has won the most awards for its Brazil Biomes collection - a series of chocolates that highlight rare, endangered, wild, and unique fruits and seeds that are native to Brazil. It is also a minority woman-owned business.
Valrhona Chocolate: Valrhona is a B CORP certified company, which meets rigorous standards of performance, accountability, and transparency in both social and environmental concerns.
Media Contact: Melissa Martin, Marketing, PR & Events; m.martin@finechocolateindustry.org.
ABOUT FCIA: The Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) is an international industry association supporting professionals throughout the fine chocolate supply chain. Through educational events, advocacy, strategic partnerships, and an online marketplace, FCIA provides a collective voice on quality and innovation, and promotes the art of fine chocolate. Learn more about FCIA on www.finechocolateindustry.org and their online marketplace: www.makeminefine.com.