FoodEx Japan

Sweet treats: Four top trends from Japan’s dessert and confectionery sectors

By Gary Scattergood

- Last updated on GMT

Creaming it: Sales of ice cream remain strong in Japan. ©GettyImages
Creaming it: Sales of ice cream remain strong in Japan. ©GettyImages
From ice cream on a roll, to high-cocoa content chocolate, here are four trends currently shaping Japan’s confectionery and dessert categories as seen at the recent FoodEx Japan show

1) Ice cream tops consumers’ wishlists

According to a recent survey conducted by Yano Research Institute, ice cream ranks as number one top dessert choice among Japanese consumers.

Of the 2,626 respondents, 78.1% said they either ‘love’ or ‘like’ ice cream, while only 1.3% ‘dislike’ or ‘hate’ it.

Furthermore, the majority of the respondents (53.4%) eat ice cream more than once a week, with supermarkets and convenience stores the preferred retail outlets for purchase.

As with many products in Japan, limited editions prove to be incredibly popular.

 

2) Healthy chocolate hots the sweet spot

According to All Nippon Kashi Association, Japan’s chocolate market is witnessing growth due to its perceived health benefits.

Its latest data shows that production value of chocolate now stands at JPY380 billion (up 4.4%) and retail value has hit JPY526 billion (up 4.4%).

There has been particularly strong sales of high-cocoa chocolates.

Companies tapping into this trend include Meiji with its Chocolate Koka series, a range of high-polyphenol chocolate containing 72-95% cocoa.

Likewise Lotte’s ‘Nyusankin Chocolat’ series contains probiotics, but remains shelf-stable.

 

3) Candy crush for seniors

The latest production value of candies is ranked at JPY188 billion (up 5%), and retail value was JPY261 billion (up 4%).

Sales are strong for products for children (in small bags), but functional products for health-conscious consumers, especially the elderly, are also performing well.

All Nippon Kashi Association noted: “Seniors are active candy consumers and are increasingly affecting the market, with the result that demand for health-oriented products that emphasize functionality is rising higher than ever before.”

With the increasing numbers of small households and growing demand for light snacking, there is also growing demand for low-volume packages and individually-wrapped products.

 

4) Ice cream still on a roll?

Ice cream may be the nation’s top desert, but rolled ice cream is rapidly gaining traction among younger consumers.

These originate in Thailand, but it is now becoming a major global trend, with outlets opening in the US and Europe. A New York style cold plate ice cream store “Roll Ice Cream Factory” opened its first store in Jingumae, Tokyo in June 2017.

After the liquid ice cream is placed on plate cooled down to below -10 degrees celsius, it is rolled up with a spatula.

This procedure is fun to watch, and the fruits and sauce decorations make the rolls even more appealing, especially for younger consumers who then post pictures of their purchases on Instagram.

Related news

Show more

Related product

Unlock real chocolate indulgence with CBT Gold

Unlock real chocolate indulgence with CBT Gold

Content provided by Bunge | 20-Sep-2023 | Business Advice

As the chocolate industry evolves to meet the demands of cost-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on quality, CBT Gold offers both delicious luxury...

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Food & Beverage Trailblazers