UNITED KINGDOM: Chocolate lovers cheer themselves up with the ultimate affordable luxury

Record ID: 1534405

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: Chocolate lovers cheer themselves up with the ultimate affordable luxury
  • Date: 14th March 2009
  • Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (MARCH 10,2009) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF MANNEQUIN WEARING BUNNY OUTFIT MADE OF CHOCOLATE BY ARTISAN DU CHOCOLATE (3 SHOTS) CHOCOLATE BOW-TIE CHOCOLATE CUFFS MANNEQUIN WEARING BUNNY OUTFIT MADE OF CHOCOLATE MANNEQUIN'S FOOT WEARING CHOCOLATE SHOE VARIOUS OF DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND RESTAURANTS, SELFRIDGES, EWAN VENTERS TALKING TO A MEMBER OF STAFF (SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) EWAN VENTERS, DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND RESTAURANTS, SELFRIDGES, SAYING: "We're enjoying a real surge of sales in chocolate just generally. I think chocolates are a very affordable luxury, it's a product that people can treat themselves and make themselves feel really happy. I think also in recent months we've seen a move away from consumers eating out in restaurants and going to have dinner parties and having friends round as a result we've seen chocolate sales really take off to the tune of nearly 30 percent since the beginning of the year." VARIOUS OF SHOPPERS (SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) EWAN VENTERS, DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND RESTAURANTS, SELFRIDGES, SAYING: "Oh I think the trend for luxurious products at an affordable price in chocolate and many other categories will absolutely continue as people start to eat out less, eat more at home do more home entertaining and people want to put on a show."
  • Embargoed: 29th March 2009 15:09
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVA67X2YGDKLSQ3ENYG5KCIFH7J0
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: Consumers are buying more chocolate this year than last, according to one London store. They are reporting sales of chocolate up by 80 percent and an increase of 30 percent in other confectionery.
    One of London's leading department stores is drawing in the crowds with a life-size mannequin dressed from head to toe in a sexy bunny outfit made entirely of chocolate. Selfridges store are reporting chocolate sales over Easter up a more than 80 percent from the same time last year.
    Manager Ewan Venters says there's no sign of meltdown when is comes to chocolate.
    "We're enjoying a real surge of sales in chocolate just generally.
    I think chocolates are a very affordable luxury, it's a product that people can treat themselves and make themselves feel really. I think also in recent months we've seen a move away from consumers eating out in restaurants and going to have dinner parties and having friends round as a result we've seen chocolate sales really take off to the tune of nearly 30 percent since the beginning of the year," he said.
    Sales have also taken off in Spain, Switzerland and France.
    With almost every other sector hit by the global slowdown it seems chocolate is virtually recession-proof. "I've never found any chocolate I don't like," said one shopper. "I think every girl loves chocolate don't they and it just wakes you up a little bit at the end of an evening when you're starting to feel a bit tired," added another.
    Leading chocolate maker Cadbury reported profits were up 30 percent from last year. This has been attributed to more people spending time at home instead of going out.

    "Oh I think the trend for luxurious products at an affordable price in chocolate and many other categories will absolutely continue as people start to eat out less, eat more at home do more home entertaining and people want to put on a show," said Venters.
    Once the poor relation, dark chocolate is biting back. Researcher Mintel says sales have shot up in Britain as more people are making healthier choices.
    It seems no matter which type of chocolate is favourite, this is one Playboy bunny that everyone can enjoy.
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