Ferrero outperforms Swiss chocolate in China

Chinese consumers prefer the products of Italian company Ferrero and US giant Mars to Swiss chocolate.

According to the agency China Market Research Group, Mars holds a 40% share of the Chinese market followed by the Alba-based Italian company with 25%.

Lindt & Sprüngli has seen a big increase in sales of Lindor chocolates in Shanghai and Beijing, while Barry Callebaut is aiming to cater for local tastes. However, the two Swiss brands are struggling to keep up due to their limited investments in image and promotion.

In China chocolate is considered a luxury product like perfume and wine and is increasingly sought after by consumers, as a result of which sales turnover has practically doubled in the last 5 years and is expected to reach €5.2 billion by 2020 (Source ITA Shanghai).