European demand for chocolate remains high this Easter, according to chocolate sales figures across the continent, but challenges still lie ahead for producers.
With high demand from emerging markets, the price of cocoa has risen to near-record highs.
Cocoa beans rose nearly 7% in London trading this year – the third annual gain.
Sales of Easter goods in the UK were recorded at €279 million euros in 2013, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, figures released by the Syndicat de Chocolat show that 259,000 tonnes of chocolate are consumed in France each year i.e. 4.5 kg per person.
In Germany, yearly demand is recorded at 9 kg per person.
Annual consumption equated to 10 kg of chocolate per person in Ireland.