Once considered a food of the gods by Aztec and Mayan cultures, chocolate today is an affordable indulgence with some health benefits that has retained its popularity even during rough economic times. According to Santa Monica, Calif.-based IBISWorld, total chocolate industry revenue increased 2.5 percent this year to more than $15.5 billion, and the market research firm expects consumer demand to continue to grow during the next five years.
Consumers across all demographic groups enjoy chocolate, says Leanne de Muijnck, technical services and product development for ADM Cocoa, a company of Archer Daniels Midland Co., Decatur, Ill. “Both the smooth mouthfeel and flavor sensation [of chocolate] generate an experience consumers seldom get tired of,” she says.