There is one thing that has avoided the credit crunch - chocolate. Instead of going out for the evening we have started to stay in to beat the crunch. To me this is a sensible option, although it is not the healthiest one, it is far better than alcohol.

Luxury chocolate retailer Thorntons has claimed that chocaholics struggling to make ends meet were staying in at night to indulge on their favourite treats rather than heading out to a restaurant or the pub. The retailer’s profit surged nearly 20% to £8.5 million for the year to 28 June.

The CEO of Cadbury, Todd Stitzer, is quoted in the Times: “We sell affordable treats, not automobiles. People like to treat themselves and when they feel they can’t indulge in more expensive treats, they can do with confectionery.”

Also, the healthy image associated with dark chocolate is contributing to growth in chocolate’s market value, however it is worth noting that the growth rate will be lower than expected in other highly innovative confectionery categories, including gum and cereal bars. Even so, healthier dark chocolate sales nearly doubled to £85 million between 2005 and 2007, while luxury chocolate sales increased by 46% to £140m.

I must admit that chocolate is the perfect friend for a night in – and my new favourite - Bounty Dark chocolate bar…

Related Research: Indulgence and Health In Confectionery: Emerging natural, functional and wellness trends