Brunberg's lactose free milk chocolate bars are a chocolate lover’s dream
Brunberg Oy, Finland’s oldest confectionery factory, introduced a lactose free milk chocolate bar made with Valio Eila® lactose free milk powder to its assortment in 2007. Brunberg specialises in high-quality chocolate, toffee, liquorice, and fruit confectioneries. Founded in 1871, the confectionery company has built a loyal and discerning customer base.
Prior to the launch of the lactose free milk chocolate bar, Brunberg’s product range had already included sugar-free and naturally lactose free dark chocolate products. The confectionery carefully monitors its production lines in the creation of its lactose free chocolate products. Valio Eila® lactose free milk powder eliminates the risk of lactose spoilage, making the process significantly less complicated when compared to production environments where conventional milk powder is also used.
Image. Brunberg 30g and 150g lactose free milk chocolate bars. Classic, tasty and creamy chocolate bars. These products are suitable for almost everyone, as they do not contain lactose or gluten. 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’s first launched a 50g lactose free chocolate bar in December 2007. However, the real breakthrough came when Brunberg introduced its 150g chocolate bar in February 2012, and the larger size 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.
Good cooperation brings results
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
Today, most Finnish retail stores carry a wide range of lactose free products in the dairy and ice cream categories, and chocolate has found its place among these offerings as well. Lactose free chocolate is already sold by all major retail stores throughout Finland. A more general shift in consumption patterns for treats has also boosted the popularity of lactose free chocolate.
Furthermore, health and well-being trends are influencing the indulgence category, as consumers look for better-for-you confectionery products. As digestive wellbeing gains recognition globally, there are new business opportunities in lactose free confectionery. In addition, consumers are willing to pay a higher price for high quality.
“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.