Chocolate: gourmet pleasures at Gourmet Selection 2025
Easter is just around the corner, and along with Christmas, it's one of the biggest sales periods for chocolate. With an average annual consumption of 6.4 kg per person, France ranks 10th in the world, representing a demanding market in terms of quality.
Cocoa sales are marked by two key periods: Christmas and Easter, which account for €665 million and €205 million respectively. For chocolate creators, the French are true enthusiasts.
France, land of authentic chocolate lovers
There are three types of chocolate in France: o text in field
- Milk chocolate is made from cocoa, sugar and milk. It must contain at least 25% cocoa solids and 14% milk (milk products, dehydrated milk, cream, etc.).
- White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, milk and sugars. It contains at least 20% cocoa butter and 14% milk (milk products, dehydrated milk, cream, etc.).
- Dark chocolate: the term ‘dark’ is a quality standard indicating a higher cocoa content, i.e. at least 43% total dry cocoa solids, including at least 26% cocoa butter.
The term ‘extra’ for a superior chocolate means a higher cocoa content than in a conventional product.
For example, to qualify as extra, a milk chocolate must have at least 30% cocoa dry matter and at least 18% milk.
According to a study by Propulse by CA, there are some 400 artisans chocolate-makers and confectioners in France who stand out for their top-of-the-range offer (Source: https://propulsebyca.fr/idees-business/confiserie-chocolaterie/etude-marche).
Gourmet Selection, a world of chocolate delights!
It's this authentic quality, the work of craftsmen and specialist small and medium-sized businesses, that Gourmet Selection is showcasing.
More than fifteen brands and creators have already confirmed their participation for the 2025 edition.
Some of the names are regulars at the show: Cluizel, Comptoir du Cacao, Chocolat Mathez, Confiserie Adam, Maxim's de Paris, Maison Guinguet and Monbana are all there every year, offering real moments of pleasure as they exchange ideas and taste their wares.
Among the loyal exhibitors, Belgium plays an important role - as tradition requires. Cho & Co, Dolfin and the Maîtres Confiseurs represent the expertise of our neighbours.
2025 also marks the return of some great names: Chocolat des Français, recognisable by its colourful and funny packaging.
Klaus Chocolatier, whose origins date back to 1852 and which has been present in Franche-Comté for over 100 years. Or Bovetti, whose factories in Dordogne produce organic cocoa. What's more, Gourmet Selection will be an opportunity to get to know some of the new brands that will be joining the show in 2025.
CDM Distribution will be present through Comptoir de Mathilde and its pretty creations. Another exciting newcomer to Gourmet Selection is Cafés Chocolats Voisin, Lyon's leading chocolatier, whose shops are spread across the Rhône-Alpes region.
The poetic Fleurs de Chocolats company delicately infuses flower essences into the smooth texture of chocolate. The result is extraordinary, refined creations with an intense flavour. And as we're only in April, many other creators are expected to join the ranks of chocolate brands... While we wait for September, chocolate will be celebrated with the return of Easter...