Sweet as hot chocolate challenge
The Lower Hutt hot chocolate challenge is about to kick off.
www.nzherald.co.nzHere are the latest headlines on hot chocolate right now.
- Costa Coffee unveils its 2025 Christmas menu, featuring holiday hot chocolate varieties like Mint Hot Chocolate and Terry’s Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate, along with festive cups and treats. This signals continued innovation in festive chocolate beverages.[1]
- Hotel Chocolat has been in the news for leadership changes and expansion moves, including leadership updates and brand initiatives around its chocolate drinks and Velvetiser line.[2]
- The hot chocolate category is also seeing menu revamps and product updates in global outlets, with outlets like Starbucks undergoing drinks menu changes that affect hot chocolate options as part of broader store changes.[3]
- Industry coverage notes rising interest in premium and specialty hot chocolates, including notes on product formulation and health-conscious adjustments in cafés and institutions.[4]
Illustration: A seasonal hot chocolate menu with minted and orange-chocolate variations can be a good proxy for the current trend in festive chocolate drinks.[1][4]
Would you like a quick summary of what’s driving these trends (premiumization, festive flavors, and café menu simplification) or a brief list of notable products to try this season? I can tailor recommendations to the Chicago area if you’d like.