Lindt & Sprüngli has expanded its Excellence range with the launch of a 100 per cent cocoa dark chocolate bar in the UK, as shoppers increasingly seek higher-cocoa and lower-sugar options.

The new Lindt Excellence 100 per cent Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar is available in a 50g format with an RRP of £3.50, rolling out initially through Sainsbury’s, Lindt stores and Lindt.co.uk, with further retailers set to follow.

The launch extends Lindt’s existing cocoa-percentage portfolio, which includes 70 per cent, 78 per cent, 85 per cent, 90 per cent and 99 per cent dark chocolate variants.

According to the chocolatier, the 100 per cent cocoa recipe has been developed to offer a rich, intense cocoa flavour, smooth texture and characteristic snap, targeting consumers looking for a purer and more premium dark chocolate experience.

Lindt said the launch comes as consumer interest continues to shift towards darker chocolate. Citing Google Trends data, the company said online searches for dark chocolate have surpassed those for milk chocolate over the past 12 months.

It also pointed to YouGov research indicating that 70 per cent of UK consumers regard dark chocolate as a healthier choice, with demand partly being driven by shoppers looking for lower-sugar products.

Miquetta de Castro, Lindt Master Chocolatier at Lindt & Sprüngli UK, said: “As consumers continue to seek out premium dark chocolate, we’re excited to introduce our Excellence 100 per cent Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar to the UK market for the first time.

“Uniting high-quality cocoa with our knowledge in dark chocolate craftsmanship, this bar delivers a richer and bolder chocolate taste, ideal for a treat or even for use in cooking and baking at home.”

The launch also coincides with a milestone in Lindt & Sprüngli’s cocoa sourcing strategy. From this year, the company said all of its cocoa is sourced as Rainforest Alliance Certified, with the certification seal beginning to appear across its product packaging.

The move forms part of Lindt & Sprüngli’s wider Cocoa Farming Program, which is designed to address social and environmental challenges within the cocoa supply chain.

The wider Lindt Excellence range includes 70 per cent, 85 per cent and 90 per cent cocoa bars available through major supermarkets, while its 78 per cent and 99 per cent variants are sold through Lindt stores and its website.

The brand also offers flavoured Excellence dark chocolate variants including Sea Salt, Pistachio, Orange Intense, Mint Intense, Caramel Sea Salt, Chilli, Raspberry and Caramelised Hazelnut.

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