Brunberg’s lactose free milk chocolate bars — a chocolate lover’s dream

There is clear demand for lactose free chocolate

For Brunberg, Valio Eila® lactose free milk powder came on the market at exactly the right time. The company first launched a 50g lactose free chocolate bar in December 2007. However, the real breakthrough came when Brunberg introduced its 150 g chocolate bar in February 2012, which turned out to be a real hit with Finnish consumers. Sales of Brunberg’s lactose free chocolate continues to grow to this day.

“We are very pleased with the increased sales of lactose free chocolate products and how quickly consumers have taken to them. There is clear demand for this type of product,” says Katarina Enholm, CEO of Brunberg.

A long partnership behind successful launches

The long-term partnership between Valio and Brunberg plays an important role in successful launches.

“We listen closely to customers and work hard to provide the right solutions for their needs. Joint product development projects enable new, innovative solutions,” says Jari Leppänen, Sales Manager at Valio.

Brunberg was a pioneer in Finland when it launched lactose free milk chocolate, and now their lactose free product family has grown. More innovations are coming in the near future to meet consumer needs.

“It’s a great honour to be able to work with a forerunner in the Finnish confectionery and chocolate industry,” Jari continues.

Digestive wellness drives growth in lactose free products

Consumers are willing to pay a higher price for high quality. The better-for-you megatrend opens up a wide market for launching lactose-free products, as Valio has done in a long-term partnership with Finland’s oldest confectionery factory.

“Lactose free chocolate bars are an important part of our business. Judging from the positive feedback we have received, there seems to be good demand for similar new products,” says Katarina.