A recent study has confirmed what we all secretly knew – that Ireland is a nation of sweet tooths.
The Irish are the third highest consumers of chocolate in Europe, according to Euromonitor International figures.
For the third year in a row, chocolate consumption rose in Ireland and the average person eats the equivalent of 155 Mars bars per year.
Only the Swiss and the Austrians eat more chocolate than the Irish.
The report said: “Although Ireland is in the midst of an obesity epidemic, chocolate confectionery continued to grow, and consumers continued to be attracted by indulgence, which manufacturers sought to capitalise on in marketing material.
“For example, a common phenomenon with consumers interested in health and wellness as well as sports nutrition diets is to have so-called ‘cheat days’ when they indulge in unhealthy snacks.
“Although health and wellness is a major contributing factor in the purchasing decision for many consumers in Ireland, the overriding trend for many consumers is indulgence.”
Written by Michael Kehoe @michaelcalling
