The chocolate category has enjoyed increased demand sparked by artisan chocolate brands like Amedei, Amano, Jacques Torres, Marie Belle, and Michel Cluizeas enbracing higher percentage of cocoa solids.  And now Hershey's announced the launch a premium, pure dark chocolate from a select blend of cacao beans.

According to Mintel, customer demand will continue to increase up to 4% over the next six years regardless of the economic environment.

Is chocolate the go-to indulgent pleasure for the state of the economy?