Ritter Sport has surpassed £25m in UK retail sales, as the German chocolate brand continues to win over shoppers seeking more premium flavours and higher-quality treats.

The brand said it is now the fastest-growing chocolate block brand in the UK, with value sales rising 46.7 per cent over the past year. That performance outpaced the wider category by 35.4 per cent and delivered three times its fair share of category value growth.

The update comes as chocolate shoppers become more selective, with consumers buying less overall but placing greater emphasis on flavour, quality and experience.

Benedict Daniels, managing director at Ritter Sport UK and Ireland, said: “The category isn’t just contracting, it’s fundamentally changing as consumers are eating less chocolate, but they’re upgrading when they do.

“The real difference in chocolate isn’t what you see, it’s what you taste. By focusing on quality ingredients and distinctive flavours, we’re not just taking share, we’re creating new value by bringing entirely new consumers into the category.”

Ritter Sport said recent growth has been helped by the success of its 100g Pistachio block, which has proved particularly popular with shoppers.

Building on that momentum, the brand has now launched a Mini Pistachio Tower, featuring individually wrapped milk chocolate squares filled with roasted and salted pistachio pieces.

The new format is designed to tap into gifting, sharing and self-treat occasions, as brands look to broaden appeal beyond traditional everyday confectionery.

Ritter Sport is also taking its range on the road with a tour of major UK cities, giving consumers the chance to sample some of its best-known lines. These include Pistachio, Marzipan, Milk Whole Hazelnut, Dark Whole Hazelnut, Praline and Alpine Milk.

The latest figures suggest that while the wider chocolate market may be under pressure, brands able to offer differentiation and a more premium experience are continuing to find room for growth.

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