Here’s a breakdown of the information from the text, answering your implied questions and summarizing key points:
1. Bird Mleczko® Weight Changes:
* Recent Change: In 2023, Bird Mleczko® weight was reduced from 360g to 340g.
* Future Changes: The company is not currently planning further weight changes.
* Reason for 2023 Change: Rising costs of all key ingredients (cocoa,milk,butter,sugar) and packaging forced a decision.They chose to slightly reduce weight rather than significantly increase the price, while maintaining the taste and number of foams per package.
2. Unusual Flavors (Pear & Mirabelle Chocolate):
* Purpose: Unusual flavors are introduced to create a sense of pleasure, surprise, and revelation for consumers.
* Generational Differences: Younger consumers are more open to trying new flavors, while older consumers tend to stick with classic options. The market is roughly split 50/50 between those preferring proven flavors and those seeking innovation.
* Strategy: New, often seasonal, flavors are vital for maintaining consumer interest and encouraging repeat purchases. Products rotate frequently (3-4 months) to keep things fresh.
3. “Dubai Chocolate” Trend:
* Wedel’s Response: Wedel chose not to participate in the “Dubai chocolate” trend.
* Reasoning: They believe chasing every trend is unsustainable and doesn’t align with their strategy. They prefer to focus on their own innovations based on market knowledge and consumer preferences.
* Examples of Wedel’s Innovations: Carmella stuffed chocolate and milk chocolate plates with apple-wieś and apple-chain flavors (in collaboration with Tymbark).
4. Declining Chocolate Consumption:
* Decline: Chocolate consumption in Poland decreased by about 5% last year.
* Company Outlook: This is considered a small correction and not a major crisis.
* Reasons for Decline:
* Cocoa prices: Climate change is impacting cocoa cultivation in Africa, driving up raw material costs.
* New Sources: Cocoa plantations in Central/South America and Indonesia are becoming more important, offering an alternative (though with a slightly different taste).
* Industry Response: The industry is innovating with new recipes to address cost challenges.
