Barry Callebaut continues its constant pursuit of innovation and new possibilities for its customers with its launch of two must-try products in the Mexican market: Callebaut NXT and SICAO Zero, which provide consumers with choices that are good for them without sacrificing indulgence.

According to the latest trend report from Barry Callebaut, 45% of consumers in Latin America claim to consume chocolate and confectionery products every week. The study reveals that the most important attribute for both chocolate and confectionery in the Latin American region is “low” or “no sugar”.

Consumer attitudes towards life constantly evolve, and their mood determines the type of dessert they choose. It is expected that consumers will increasingly embrace the trend of “Mindful Indulgence”.

This trend is characterized by enjoying sweet products without compromising physical and mental well-being, the health of others, or the planet. It resonates most among the millennial and centennial generations.

Jesus Carlos Valencia, Managing Director, North LATAM said: “Barry Callebaut is committed to creating products that are not only tasty but also good for the consumer and the planet. With Callebaut NXT and SICAO Zero, we are responding to the growing demand for this trend by offering healthier chocolate alternatives without compromising the beloved taste consumers crave.”

Barry Callebaut’s report reveals that 5 out of 10 consumers in Latin America have increased their consumption of vegan chocolate in the past 12 months. Furthermore, 67% of Latin American consumers agree they seek sustainably-produced chocolates. This data demonstrates that consumers actively seek indulgent options that align with their preferences and values.

To address this growing demand, Barry Callebaut has identified four key trends in developing good-for-all chocolate alternatives: plant-based, vegan; organic, sugar-free, and lactose-free. These preferences align with the increasing attention consumers pay to the ingredients in the food they consume and their origin and sustainable production.

Rene Chavez, Director, Gourmet North LATAM said: “Callebaut NXT is a milestone in the chocolate industry. We have developed a delicious and creamy milk-flavoured chocolate that contains no dairy products. It is made with 100% plant-based ingredients, without additives or artificial colours, making it a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy chocolate.”

Callebaut NXT has been created for the new generation of conscious chocolate lovers who want to feel good and enjoy to the fullest. It is also an ideal option for chefs looking to offer authentic delights with better ingredients for the planet and overall well-being.

In addition to its commitment to well-being, Callebaut NXT is also environmentally friendly. As it does not contain animal-based ingredients, its production generates fewer CO2 emissions, requires less water and energy, and uses less farming land. Its packaging material is also eco-friendly, aluminium-free, and fully recyclable.

On the other hand, Barry Callebaut also introduces SICAO Zero, a sugar-free chocolate that demonstrates how well-being and indulgence can coexist.

SICAO Zero offers excellent quality, ease of handling, and exceptional cost-effectiveness in a sugar-free formulation, ideal for those who want to enjoy chocolate without guilt.

With SICAO Zero, pastry lovers can offer delicious and healthy desserts to their customers, providing versatility in their product line-up. It will also help small businesses boost profitability by providing dessert options that maintain the same beloved taste and quality without compromising well-being.

Callebaut® and SICAO® work with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation, a comprehensive non-profit program that uses its expertise and tools to impact cocoa farming communities and the environment positively.

The program focuses on three main areas: productivity, to enable cocoa producers to thrive; community, to eradicate child labour and empower women’s work; and the environment, to eliminate deforestation and achieve a carbon-positive condition.

Barry Callebaut continues to lead the chocolate industry by offering innovative solutions that adapt to the changing needs of consumers. With Callebaut NXT and SICAO Zero, conscious indulgence becomes more accessible and delicious than ever.

Editorial contact:
Editor: Kiran Grewal kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk