Easter represents the most important season for the French chocolate industry. Between a favorable calendar and cool weather, chocolatiers are redoubling their efforts to attract customers at the start of April 2026. Focus on the chocolate market, a sector which remains more than attractive despite a complex economic context.
After crossing the historic threshold of $10,000 per tonne of cocoa in 2024, prices will remain under close surveillance in 2026. If the spectacular surge of 238% over one year is a thing of the past, the retail prices of eggs, rabbits and chickens are still suffering the repercussions of these high production costs. While overall food inflation has stabilized, Easter chocolate inflation is maintaining pressure on purchasing power, encouraging households to choose their spending carefully.
The French, big consumers of chocolate
The French consume more than 7kg of chocolate each year, including one kilo at Easter and another at Christmas. This figure testifies to the French gourmet attraction for chocolate, which allows them to maintain their sixth place in the world. In our country, chocolate in all its forms is inseparable from the festive moments that are the end of year celebrations and Easter: it is synonymous with conviviality. It also remains a sweet treat that we offer ourselves to punctuate a day of work. In short, it is an unwavering source of pleasure.
A weekend dedicated to chocolate
This year again, Easter Monday remains a strong tradition. Professionals in the sector generate a crucial part of their turnover during this period. If the end-of-year celebrations represent around 10% of annual chocolate consumption in France, Easter brings 5% of the total volume, or even more depending on commercial operations. In 2026, the French still plan to honor the custom by purchasing eggs, bells and rabbits.
Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?
As always, eggs, “casseroles”, rabbits and bells will be popular with fans. Widely consumed in France, dark chocolate still represents 30% of national consumption, while our European neighbors only consume 5%. Despite this ongoing success, dark chocolate often gives way to milk chocolate during the Easter celebration. In reality, this period particularly targets children who, according to studies by the Chocolate Union, prefer the sweetness of milk chocolate, less cocoa and sweeter.
A budget that will not cause a liver attack
At the budgetary level, the French are showing pragmatism.
- Average budget: around €20 per household for Easter.
- Annual share: these purchases represent 22% of total chocolate spending over the year.
- Main place of purchase: 85% of sales are made in supermarkets.
- Specialized circuit: only 15% of consumers turn to retailers and artisans.
Supermarkets offer a wide range of prices allowing everyone to treat themselves to this affordable little pleasure.
To try to attract customers, artisan chocolatiers strive to adapt their offers to all budgets, offering small but ultra-quality formats. And you, which option did you choose: dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Purchase in a supermarket or from a creative artisan?
What if you celebrated it in business?
If many employees take advantage of this long weekend, nothing stops you from marking the event before or after your return. You could even be called “my rabbit” by your colleagues (an unambiguous mark of friendship). Easter remains an opportunity to surprise your teams and organize fun events. It doesn’t cost much (unless you have tens of thousands of employees), but it allows you to stand out, even if only through an office egg hunt. Before tackling the second quarter objectives, isn’t this a necessary break for your employees?
