Endangered Species Chocolate Melts The Competition

ESC says its growth rate in those regions ranges from 25 to 65 percent. ESC says in July its sales volume nationwide beat out its closest competitor by $200,000.

Source: Inside INdiana Business

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time since SPINS* has been gathering data, Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) is ranked number one for natural chocolate in all seven individual U.S. regions. ESC’s growth rate in those regions ranges anywhere from 25 to 65 percent.

For the four-week period ending July 15, ESC’s sales volume nationwide was $698,164, nearly $200,000 more than its closest competitor. In terms of units sold, ESC outperformed the second-ranked brand by more than 163,500 units, with 386,419 sold.

Also reported by SPINS, the leading provider of information in the natural products industry, ESC continues to be the leader in sales volume and units sold among the top 200 brands of natural chocolate for the total U.S.

“This year has been very good for Endangered Species Chocolate,” said Wayne Zink, CEO of ESC. “With a continual eye on our plan and goals, we remain rooted in our core value – Reverence for Life – and our customers appreciate that. It is clear that consumers are concerned about conservation, and are embracing our new definition of ‘endangered’ being that all species, habitat and humanity are endangered on our planet – not just the animals on a list.”

In a recent survey of ESC customers, 96 percent say environmental issues are important to them and a resounding number take action in their day-to-day lives.

ESC’s dark chocolate products continue to be the company’s strongest sellers. According to SPINS, ESC’s top three sellers are its 72-percent cocoa Smooth Dark Chocolate, 88-percent cocoa Extreme Dark Chocolate and 70-percent cocoa Dark Chocolate with Mint bars, respectively.

“With the reported health benefits of dark chocolate, we’re seeing increased demand in that category,” said Jae Park, ESC’s director of marketing. “So, not only are our customers seeking chocolate that helps the environment, they’re also looking for products that are beneficial to their health.”

ESC currently offers a wide variety of dark, milk and white chocolate products. Most recently, the company entered the culinary niche with Gourmet Baking Rounds and Random Weight Bars.

“As consumer demand changes, so will we,” Zink said. “What will not change, however, is the quality of our premium chocolate or our commitment to our mission.”

Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate is fully committed to providing customers with delicious, high-quality, all-natural ethically traded, naturally shade-grown, and kosher products, as well as products that are certified organic. To honor its core value – Reverence for Life – ESC confirms that all beans used in its products are purchased from family-owned properties where the income benefits the community. They also donate 10 percent of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. The number one selling brand of natural chocolate in the natural food category, ESC offers nearly 30 products.

For more information about Endangered Species Chocolate, please visit www.chocolatebar.com.

* About SPINS
San Francisco-based SPINS was founded in 1995 as the first company to offer Natural Products sales data to the industry. Today, it is the premier provider of industry reporting and consulting services for this rapidly expanding sector. SPINS’ comprehensive offering includes retail measurement services, content-based reporting, consumer information and consulting services.