Aimia Foods, supplier of hot and cold beverages, has launched a luxury hot chocolate for vending and foodservice operators in the UK. In line with current consumer trends, Amour de Chocolat is a more natural chocolate beverage option which is free of hydrogenated vegetable oils and contains a high cocoa content for a rich dark continental flavour.

Sales of chocolate-based flavoured powder drinks currently show the fastest increase with retail volume growth of 6% and current retail value growth of 7%, according to recent figures from Euromonitor. Growth is driven mainly by the trend towards buying more indulgent, yet more natural products, particularly among women and younger consumers.

Amour de Chocolat enables operators to serve continental-style beverages for an intense chocolate experience. It can also be used in a chocolate bain marie to create a chocolate sauce which can be topped with steamed milk to deliver an indulgent coffee shop chocolate drink.

Simon Kershaw, sector marketing manager (vending) at Aimia Foods, said: "Amour de Chocolat gives vending and foodservice operators a real opportunity to stand out from their competitors and provide their customers with the ultimate hot chocolate experience."