Each year, more than $101 billion is generated around the world from chocolate sales. According to Statista, $22.4 billion of that total comes from U.S. chocolate suppliers. Whether you are a fan of chocolate or not, even the most skeptical person can see that chocolate is an impressive, multibillion-dollar industry driven by the sales of chocolate candies, syrups, baking bars and other related products.
A closer look at this confection's health benefits, increasing consumer demand and projected future growth makes it easy to see the big picture of chocolate suppliers in the U.S. and their undeniable global impact.
The science of chocolate
With the average chocolate product, such as candy pieces or bars, there are a number of ingredients added to enhance the taste and structure. With additions like nuts, caramel, peanut butter, coconut and more, there is an extensive list of options that can be added to, mixed in or blended with chocolate. However, the science of pure chocolate is noteworthy by itself.
For instance, according to Mental Floss, chocolate is the only type of edible substance that melts at a temperature of 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the normal temperature of your mouth is typically around 5 degrees warmer, it makes perfect sense as to why chocolate melts so easily after you put it in there. The scientific side of chocolate also shines a light on how this tasty product is good to you and for you.
Chocolate can be good for you
Recent studies have proven that there are actual benefits that you can experience by consuming chocolate. For instance, one study published in the Journal of Nutrition states that you can reduce your low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by consuming chocolate. A team of scientists at Harvard Medical School claimed that two cups of hot chocolate daily could reduce the rate of memory decline in older people and improve brain health.
There are some reports that claim consuming chocolate can reduce the risk of heart disease by more than 30 percent. It is important to note that some of the health benefits that come from chocolate can be limited when certain ingredients, such as caramel, sugar and high fructose corn syrup, are added to the candies. However, in its purest forms, chocolate has plenty of health upsides to consider.
Top chocolate suppliers
IndustryNet shows more than 200 chocolate suppliers within the U.S. Based on consumer demand alone, that number will more than likely increase within the next several years. Currently, there are several top confectioners that stand out stateside.
Conrad's Confectionery, Inc.: Established in 1928, Conrad's Candy uses time-tested techniques of specialized candy manufacturing to make high-quality chocolate confections and ice cream treats. This company won the "Best Candy Store" award as part of the Best of Bergen series in 2008 and 2009 in addition to the "Reader's Choice" top pick for the Best Chocolate & Candy Store from Bergen Health & Life magazine.
Araya Artisan Chocolate: This family-owned business based in Houston was established in 2010. Expert Belgian and French techniques are used to create handcrafted chocolates with single-origin, premium Venezuelan chocolates. Using first-class ingredients from around the world establishes Araya Artisan Chocolate as a top chocolate producer.
Healthy Chocolate Florida, LLC: Healthy Chocolate has built a reputation as a specialty provider of chocolate-based nutritional supplements and high-quality chocolates made using top-notch research and development capabilities. This company also has the exclusive rights to a proprietary patent-pending novelty chocolate manufacturing process that uses xylitol as a sweetener.
Peter's Chocolate Shoppe: This family-based company located in Butler, Pennsylvania, has made some of the finest milk chocolate candies for more than 70 years. The expert staff at Peter's Chocolate Shoppe use fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and other fresh ingredients to fill special orders and gift requests for special occasions.
The future of chocolate
The commercial desire for chocolate remains high and the demand for high-quality, artisanal chocolate is an expanding arena within the industry. New chocolatiers appear on the scene every year and established companies are listening to consumers, making chocolates that not only taste good but are made with high-quality ingredients and take advantage of the inherent health benefits that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, offers. Growth in this industry will continue, something that anyone with a sweet tooth will be glad to hear.
For more information on chocolate suppliers
To learn more about the hundreds of chocolate suppliers in the U.S., or any other type of industrial suppliers or service providers, start your free search on IndustryNet. IndustryNet is a one-stop resource for all of your industrial supply needs, providing information on 400,000 U.S. manufacturers as well as suppliers of 10,000-plus industrial products and services. Request a quote, contact a company directly, connect on social media, obtain a list of industrial suppliers in your area, and more.
