German confectionery sector aims to deliver a merry Christmas with 151 million Santa Clauses
Some much needed seasonal cheer will be in order around the world this month as the BDSI, the Federal Association of the German Confectionery Association, reports that 151 million chocolate Santa Clauses have been produced by its member countries, writes Neill Barston.
Despite welcoming the figures, the organisation confirmed that its survey found the result was slightly down on last year, by 1.3% amid reduced orders from coronavirus-impacted grocery supply chains, and a decline in exports surrounding the pandemic.
Dr. Carsten Bernoth, General Manager of the BDSI, said: “Even in difficult times like the current coronavirus crisis, it is clear that confectionery is one of the little joys of everyday life. That is true especially for the popular chocolate Santa Clauses and others delicacies for the upcoming St. Nicholas Day and Christmas.
“However, manufacturers of sweets fear that sales will be important for them Christmas sales this year due to the cancelled Christmas markets, the empty inner cities, the missing ones
Gift occasions and the infrequent shopping frequency are well behind Lagging behind the previous year. ”
Around two thirds (around 100 million) of those produced in Germany Chocolate Santa Clauses and Santa Clauses will be destined for the German food trade, department stores and the delivered to specialist dealers within local markets.
Around a third (around 51 million) of these products are exported, and not just in the European neighbouring states, as well as over to the USA, to Canada and Australia. Furthermore, German chocolate Santa Clauses are particularly popular France, Austria and Great Britain. The sector has produced a broad range of products, from milk chocolate and white varieties, through to pralines, or ranges with high cocoa content and designs for a broad array of designs and sizes to meet market demands.
