Overlook chocolate at your peril, says research
The UK is a nation of chocolate lovers with 66% of consumers wanting restaurants to offer more chocolate varieties, while 70% of 18 to 34-year-olds would be happy to pay more for their favourite chocolate dessert.
Meanwhile, restaurants without a chocolate choice on the menu risk 30% of people choosing not to order dessert altogether.
According to independent research commissioned by Callebaut in conjunction with Menurama, the nation's favourite chocolate dessert is chocolate brownie, followed by cheesecake, cake, pudding and ice-cream. The research also revealed the average price of a chocolate dessert at £4.38, commanding an 11% premium over non-chocolate dishes.
Robert Harrison, sales director for Callebaut, said: "We are a nation of chocolate lovers and people clearly want more options.
The research coincides with the launch of Callebaut's new campaign, For The Love of Chocolate, which has been developed to guide caterers through their chocolate choices and ensure dessert menus remain profitable by giving customers exactly what they want. The campaign's website includes the key research findings, as well as chocolate recipes and videos. Callebaut is also giving two caterers the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Ghana to see where the cocoa beans are farmed.
