CHOCOLATE SALES in 2013 WILL RISE, says INDUSTRY

The chocolate industry is optimistic about the growth of sales of Easter eggs and articles related to the period in 2013, according to the President of the Brazilian Association of Chocolates, cocoa, peanuts, hard candies and derivatives (ABICAB), Getúlio Ursulino Netto.
The ABICAB does not disclose a sales projection, but the companies estimate an increase in turnover of approximately 30%, on average, for 2012.
Retail applications should begin to be delivered in 15 days. "From Ash Wednesday the industry will begin to supply the more than 800 thousand points of sale by Brazil. This is our main point, equivalent to 13 month in motion and production, "says the Vice-Chairman of ABICAB, Dan Franco.
He says that although the balance sheet last year has not been closed the industry estimates have been stability in 2011. "In line with the growth of gross domestic product (GDP) of 1%. It was a modest performance, but we are optimistic for this year, "he said.
Last year, the industry produced 18 million tons of products, with 80 million Easter eggs. ABICAB data show that, currently, the per capita consumption of chocolate in Brazil is 2.2 pounds per year. Three years ago was 1.65 pounds. "The increase was driven by income growth of the population, which now include this product in the shopping basket," says Fonseca.
To meet the demand of Easter chocolateiras industries 2013, that since the second half of 2012 come ready products to supply retailers in the coming weeks, opened 20 thousand temporary jobs.