Here Is How Mini Bars Can Help The Rise Of Craft Chocolate
Chocolate consumers are really upset.
Their favorite bars from big chocolate manufacturers continue to shrink in size, but not in price. Outraged by the trickery, they might just discover the wonderful world of craft chocolate (not perfect, but definitely more honest).
Prices are the only thing that refrain consumers from buying some real chocolate handcrafted with care.
Mini chocolate bars have come to change the situation.
Danish chocolate maker Friis-Holm showcased his regular size and mini bars at the Salon du Chocolat 2016 in Paris.
With a size between 0.7 and 1 oz (20 to 28 gr), mini chocolate bars fit in a hand, in a pocket, and definitely in a busy lifestyle. They are tiny treasures to carry around and eat on the go. From London to Paris to the U.S., these small treats have invaded big shelves, from supermarkets to high-end chocolate retailers.
If big corporations already jumped on the trend, this is good news especially for craft chocolate makers.
By selling miniatures of their traditional bars, they have an opportunity to get consumers closer to their products. Those intimidated by a $10 price tag for chocolate they have never tried before might be willing to invest a few dollars for a small taste instead. The price per lbs is of course the same of their bigger correspondents. There is no discount being applied. But the financial commitment is smaller.
Mini bars are overall more affordable, and they might just make consumers more willing to give craft chocolate a go.
Especially with the approach of the holiday season, mini chocolate bars are perfect to be bundled together in gift boxes. The collections can have different themes like cacao percentage or countries of origin.
Chuao Chocolatier offers his unique flavors in mini bars bundled in a gift box for the holidays.
The trend is also exciting for frequent craft chocolate consumers.
Who is already passionate about craft chocolate is always on the lookout for new flavors. When a bar is released, they are onto it. When a new company arrives on the market, they are ready to buy. But buying regular size bars can cost a fortune. When companies offer the option of mini bars, they give a chance to try different products on a budget.
Moreover, consumers love variety. When given the chance to spend $10 on one chocolate bar or $12 on 3 different mini bars, the second option is more appealing. Especially for craft chocolate lovers who like to try different products. Even though the price per lbs is the same, the feeling of getting "more" is real.
Mini bars are also useful to sell their bigger versions. Consumers think twice before spending on chocolate they have never tried. With a smaller investment, they can get a taste and decide if they want the "big guys".
These tiny treasures are also more easily placed in bars, cafes, hotels and restaurants.
Some craft chocolate companies introduced mini bars next to their regular selection. Some others were born this way.Woodblock, Lucocoa, Hogarth, Domori and Madre only sell mini bars. Or at least smaller version of what is usually found on the market. Their choice pays off. On the shelf next to their gigantic competitors, they are the ones standing out. For their unusual size, they draw attention.
Are chocolate makers making money from mini bars
?If the trend is expanding and nobody seems to look back, we can guess yes. They sell and give a profit. The hustle might be around packaging and inventory, but it seems to be well worth it.
Do you buy mini chocolate bars?