The Australian chocolate and confectionery manufacturing industry has remained resilient despite recession, falling disposable incomes, volatile commodity prices and increasing competition.
The advent of the health-conscious consumer has required producers to be innovative with their product lines and adapt them to changing consumer trends, says research firm IBISWorld, which recently updated its report on chocolate and confectionery manufacturing in Australia.
IBISWorld said that, in the last five years, industry revenue increased at an annualised 2.2 per cent. Revenue is also expected to grow by 2.2 per cent in 2011-2012 to a level of A$3.09 billion.
IBISWorld industry analyst Naren Sivasailam said: “The high level of value addition during the production process has enabled the industry’s major players to maintain high profit margins and perform well despite recessive economic conditions.”
High brand and customer loyalty commanded by the major players have also contributed to high profit margins and sales growth. The volatility of key inputs such as cocoa and sugar has resulted in strong import growth, as producers have resorted to foreign markets to source their products.
As economic conditions improve, IBISWorld expects sustained consumption of chocolate and confectionery. Mr Sivasailam said strong brand loyalty, product innovations and aggressive marketing strategies will drive growth as the economy grows from strength to strength following the global financial turmoil.
The Australian market is characterised by a high level of concentration. Although the industry has a number of small- to medium-size operators, the majority of its revenue is generated by the major players such as Kraft Foods and Mars. This concentration of ownership is due to an increase in acquisitions and organic growth by major players.
