Pierre

Last Updated: 15 March 2023

  • Home
  • Blog
  • The French’ sweet tooth for Easter chocolate

The French and chocolate is a love story. From the local chocolateries to the immense hypermarchés, chocolate is found everywhere. Of excellent or not-so-good quality, chocolate is a favourite sweet delicacy savoured when Easter comes. Here are a few facts and figures about Easter chocolate…

 
 

Watch our short video explaining Easter in France:

 

 

What about Easter chocolate?

Easter eggs hunt © French Moments
Easter eggs hunt © French Moments

The tradition of chocolate eggs at Easter is a long one in France. Half of the French people receive a chocolate gift, according to a 2012 study carried out by TNS Sofres on behalf of the French Chocolate Union.

Chocolate hens, rabbits, eggs and bell shapes are the most popular (74%), followed by the more innovative initiatives from chocolatier artisans (25%). French kids are the largest group to receive chocolate, but grown-ups are not forgotten either!

It is estimated that 70% of the French buy their Easter chocolates in hypermarkets and supermarkets (les grandes surfaces), and only 1% dare to order them online.

Bauget Easter 2016 05 © French Moments
Easter eggs in a French confiserie © French Moments

 

One of the two significant chocolate times!

After Christmas, Easter is the most significant period of the year to sell chocolate. The research estimates 14,700 tonnes of chocolate were sold during Easter 2012 compared to 34.320 tonnes at Christmas. In 2012 alone, 258,661 tonnes of chocolate were sold in France, according to Nielsen research. Each French individual eats an average of 4.2 kg of chocolate per year compared to 11 kg in the UK.

Mon Dieu, que de chocolat !

Holidays and Celebrations in France

Learn more about the seasons, celebrations and public holidays in France:

About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

Like it? Leave a comment!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

Escape to France with every email! Get insider insights, travel guides, cultural gems delivered and exclusive offers to your inbox twice a week. Your journey to Paris and France begins when you sign up!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK

20 OFFBEAT PLACES IN PARIS

Ebook 20 amazing offbeat places in Paris front cover