Emart24, Bolchocolate on the Rise... 46% Sales Growth This Year ↑

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] There is a perceptible shift occurring in the chocolate product category. While the popularity of bar chocolates, long considered the quintessential chocolate, is waning, ball chocolates have emerged as a new popular product.

On the 17th, Emart24 analyzed sales in the chocolate category and found that from January 1 to November 15 this year, the sales growth rate of ball chocolates was the highest within the category at 45.8% compared to the same period last year, whereas bar chocolate sales increased by only 3.3%.

As customers’ preferences change, the sales composition is also shifting. The share of ball chocolates within the chocolate category rose by 6.6 percentage points from 31.5% in 2019 to 38.1% this year, significantly narrowing the gap with the leading bar chocolates. Meanwhile, bar chocolates’ share decreased by 3.8 percentage points from 22.5% in 2019 to 18.7% this year.

The increase in customers seeking ball chocolates is attributed to the addition of new star products like Maltesers alongside traditional favorites such as Almond Choco Balls and m&m’s.

In response to the growing demand for ball chocolates, Emart24 launched its private brand product, I’m Crush Milk Choco Balls. These are crispy milk biscuits coated in smooth milk chocolate, developed to offer both sweetness and a crunchy texture. The price is 1,200 won. With the continued rise of small-pack chocolates, Emart24 also introduced I’m Truffle Chocolate, a set of two bite-sized chocolates made with authentic milk chocolate, priced at 500 won.

Lee Eun-bora, Emart24’s chocolate buyer, said, “While the popularity of bar chocolates, which were traditionally eaten by breaking off pieces, is fading, ball chocolates enjoyed one by one are gaining customer favor. As seen in the growth of the jelly market, once customers start seeking a product, new items continue to increase, creating a virtuous cycle that expands the entire market. Similarly, ball chocolates are expected to establish themselves as the representative chocolate category as new products continue to be introduced.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.