If you want to have a good idea of the Japanese confectionery market one must start by analyzing where chocolate consumption stands, particularly since it’s increasing.

The chocolate segment in Japan managed to reach 6 percent current value growth (ACG) last year, reaching a staggering amount of 552 billion yen ($5.1 billion) in retail sales. Part of the growth can be attributed to the way people view chocolate and the health benefits of cacao.