Chocolate market sales reached RON4.5 billion in 2016 and preliminary data regarding the evolution in 2017 show an increase of over 20%.
As per the study, which analysed the evolution of the market since 2012 until present, the main indicator underpinning the dynamic of the sector is the market profitability. In 2012, the 786 companies producing or distributing chocolate products reported a net profit of RON107.3 million, whereas in 2017, a total 758 such firms reported an estimated et profit of RON306.1 million.
The positive evolution of the market was due to economic growth, fuelled by a significant increase in consumption. In the context of developing offers and especially major investments in marketing and promotion, Romanians became more interested in chocolate.
Nestle, with a turnover of RON783.6 million, is the main player on the Romanian market, on the manufacturing segment. Nestle is followed by Kandia Dulce SA, with RON161.4 million, Heidi Chocolat SA, with RON106.2 million, Mueller and Prietenii (RON19.1 million) and Marco Polo (RON18 million).
On the distribution segment, SECA Distribution SA holds the top spot with a RON390.8 million turnover in 2016, followed by Ferrero Romania SRL (RON398 million), D.R.I.M Daniel SRL (RON268.7 million), Wrigley Romania (RON133.7 million) and Almira Trade SRL (RON130.3 million).