New products ensure choc market increase in Japan - chocolate industry production figures - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Eurofood, Oct 11, 2001

Japanese output of chocolate products rose 2.4% year-on-year in the first six months of 2001 to 93 066 tonnes. According to the Chocolate and Cocoa Association of Japan, 2001 production could exceed the previous year's 217 000t, making it the third straight year that the Japanese figures have hit a record high.

The Association's director general Fumio Sukegawa said, "Japanese chocolate consumption has not been affected by the nation's economic slump." He expects chocolate production to reach a record high this year.

Output of chocolate and cocoa products in H1 2001

                                    Output (tonnes)   yr/yr % change

Cocoa bean grinding                          22 316             8.5%
Cocoa butter                                  1 612            -2.9%
Cacao mass                                   12 375             7.7%
Chocolate products (finished)                93 066             2.4%
Unsweetened cocoa powder                        783           -12.4%
Sweetened cocoa powder                        4 287            -6.4%
Coca cake                                       425            38.3%
Chocolate products (semi-finished)           19 245             2.9%
Others                                        5 467            -0.2%

Source: Chocolate and Cocoa Association of Japan

Sukegawa attributed the steady growth in the Japanese market to the introduction of new and appealing products by domestic manufacturers.

The Chocolate and Cocoa Association of Japan is composed of 26 member companies, whose combined production represents more than 90% of chocolate produced in Japan.