Decorations and Inclusions Market

Technology Intervention in Decorations and Inclusions Propelling Utilization in Different Applications

Improvement in the production and processing technology for decorations and inclusions has resulted in expanded application areas over the past few years. Several factors such as shelf stability, moisture content, freeze/thaw, and thermal stability, among other factors, prohibited the use of decorations and inclusions in niche application areas.

However, recent advances in coating technology, encapsulation, introduction of functional ingredient systems, and other developments have lent versatility to the use of decorations and inclusions in numerous end products. For example, Carletti uses a unique coating technology for its chocolate decorations and inclusions that enhances the freeze/thaw stability, thereby rendering them resistant to thermal shock, which is useful in end products such as ice cream and other frozen desserts.

Additionally, the use of other products with moisture content such as icings do not affect the visual appearance of the decorations and inclusions due to these functional coating materials.

Quality Claims and Certifications for Decorations and Inclusions Lending Credibility to End Products

Sustainable sourcing of raw materials in the bakery and confectionery sector has become a key issue for several market participants across the value chain, due to the negative environmental impact resulting from over-harvesting of agricultural produce. This is especially true for cocoa, since most decorations and inclusions are produced from cocoa.

This is in addition to the fact that Africa accounts for over 70% of the world’s cocoa bean production, and the livelihoods of African farmers are significantly impacted from crop failures or lower than expected harvest. Major buyers of cocoa for the production of decorations and inclusions, including industry leaders such as Barry Callebaut, have put several initiatives in place to ensure the sustainable sourcing of raw materials.

Additionally, independent certification schemes such as Fairtrade, UTZ, and Rainforest Alliance have ensured increased transparency in the supply chains. Buyers of cocoa and producers of decorations and inclusions benefit from including these labels and certifications in their end products, due to increased awareness by consumers towards the environmental impact of food sourcing.

Health Benefits Combined with Taste in Fruit- and Nut-based Decorations and Inclusions

In alignment with sugar reduction strategies to combat the increasing prevalence of obesity, globally, decorations and inclusions containing dried fruits are preferred due to the natural sweetness lent to the end product, as well as health benefits such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other functional health benefits. Another evolving trend is the utilization of natural sources of sugar in decorations and inclusions, moving away from processed sugar, thereby drawing the attention of health-conscious consumers all around the world.

Some of the examples of alternative sweeteners used in decorations and inclusions are monk fruit sugar, stevia, demerara and other unrefined sugars, among others. In addition to being healthy alternatives, these sugars tend to provide unique flavour profiles in decorations and inclusions otherwise not found in white sugar.

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Bullish Outlook for the Bakery Sector Complementing the Demand for Decorations and Inclusions

Chocolate happens to be one of the most favourite consumer products, globally, and the tailwinds from the growth in the bakery and confectionery sector are expected to enhance consumer appetite for chocolate decorations and inclusions. The increasing propensity of consumers to spend on premium baked goods has played well in artisanal bakeries’ favour, where custom products for various occasions demand the use of high quality decorations and inclusions.

Suppliers have been quick to tap into the demand, focusing on developing unique decorations and inclusions in various formats that appeal to a wide audience. Companies such as PCB Création in France produce hand-crafted and gourmet decorations and inclusions, revamping their collections seasonally to ensure a slew of new products and variants. Such strategies are starting to pick up steam, the impact of which is likely to sustain the growth of the decorations and inclusions market for several years to come.

Global Decorations and Inclusions Market: Segmentation

Analysis by Product

• Chocolate Sprinkles and Inclusions
• Chocolate Shapes
• Chocolate Cups and Shells
• Sugar Sprinkles and Inclusions
• Sugar Shapes
• Preserved/Dried Fruit Pieces
• Sweetened/Caramelised Nuts
• Roasted Nuts
• Baked Pieces
• Sugar Pastes & Icings

Analysis by End Use

• Industrial/Food and Beverage Processing
  • Baked Goods
    • Cakes
    • Pastries
    • Sweet Biscuits
  • Breakfast Cereals
  • Confectioneries
    • Chocolate Confectioneries
    • Sugar Confectioneries
  • Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts
  • Snack Bars
  • Beverages
• Bakeries and Pastry Shops
• Confectionery Shops
• Restaurants and Hotels
• Household (Retail)

Analysis by Sales Channel

• Direct Sales/B2B
• Indirect Sales/B2C
  • Intermediate/Bulk Distributors
  • Brick & Mortar Retailers
  • Online Retailers

Analysis by Region

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• Indonesia
• Southeast Asia and Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa